The first week of NHS tirzepatide prescribing for obesity has exceeded projections. Eli Lilly announces that orforglipron has met its primary endpoint in ATTAIN-1, and NICE confirms it is reviewing lower BMI thresholds for obesity pharmacotherapy.

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NHS Tirzepatide — First Week Prescribing Data

NHS England has released preliminary data from the first week of tirzepatide prescribing for obesity (1–5 February 2026):

• Prescriptions issued: 8,240 (vs projected 3,500 for week 1)
• ICB coverage: 39 of 42 ICBs have active prescribing; 3 ICBs still finalising commissioning arrangements
• Prescriber type: 71% GP, 18% specialist, 11% nurse prescriber
• Patient demographics: Mean age 48 years; 58% female; mean BMI 39.2 kg/m²; 44% with T2D

The higher-than-projected prescribing volume reflects strong pent-up demand following the NICE approval.

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Orforglipron — ATTAIN-1 Primary Endpoint Met

Eli Lilly announced today that orforglipron has met its primary endpoint in the ATTAIN-1 Phase 3 trial (obesity without diabetes, n=3,100).

Top-line results (72 weeks):

• Mean weight loss: 14.7% with orforglipron 45 mg vs 2.1% placebo (p<0.001)
• ≥10% weight loss: 65% of orforglipron participants vs 18% placebo
• ≥15% weight loss: 43% orforglipron vs 7% placebo
• Safety: GI adverse events in 58% (nausea most common); no new safety signals

Full data will be presented at a major medical conference in Q2 2026.

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NICE — Lower BMI Thresholds Under Review

NICE has confirmed that it is conducting a scoping review of the evidence for lower BMI thresholds for obesity pharmacotherapy eligibility, in response to the UKCO consensus statement and multiple stakeholder submissions.

The review will consider evidence for pharmacotherapy benefit at BMI 27–29.9 kg/m² with cardiometabolic risk factors, including SELECT trial data. A scoping document will be published for consultation in Q2 2026.

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This update is prepared for UK healthcare professionals. All prescribing decisions should reference current NICE guidance, the BNF, and individual patient clinical assessment.