ECO 2026 opens in Lisbon next week with a strong UK presence. NHS England publishes the first 16-week review data for tirzepatide, and Novo Nordisk confirms its MHRA submission for the semaglutide MASH indication.

---

ECO 2026 Lisbon — Preview

The European Congress on Obesity opens in Lisbon on 13 May 2026, with over 3,000 delegates expected from 80 countries.

Selected UK abstracts:

• "Real-world outcomes of tirzepatide in 100,000 NHS patients: 3-month data" — NHS England/NIHR collaboration
• "Health inequalities in obesity pharmacotherapy access: impact of the NHS equity framework" — University of Leeds
• "Tirzepatide in patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥50 kg/m²): UK multicentre 6-month data" — BOMSS

Key international abstracts:

• CagriSema REDEFINE-3 (weight maintenance) 52-week data — Novo Nordisk
• AMG 133 Phase 2b obesity data — Amgen
• Orforglipron ATTAIN-3 cardiovascular outcomes interim safety review — Eli Lilly

---

NHS Tirzepatide — First 16-Week Review Data

NHS England has published the first 16-week review data for patients who started tirzepatide on 1 February 2026 (n=24,800 with completed 16-week reviews):

Weight loss outcomes:

• Mean weight loss at 16 weeks: 7.8%
• ≥5% weight loss (threshold for continuation): 74% of patients
• ≥10% weight loss: 28%

Continuation decisions:

• Treatment continued: 74% (met ≥5% threshold)
• Treatment discontinued: 18% (did not meet threshold)
• Treatment continued despite <5% weight loss: 8% (exceptional clinical circumstances documented)

Reasons for <5% weight loss:

• Insufficient dose escalation (still on 2.5 mg at 16 weeks): 34%
• GI intolerance limiting dose escalation: 28%
• Non-adherence: 22%

---

Semaglutide MASH — MHRA Submission Confirmed

Novo Nordisk has confirmed the submission of a Marketing Authorisation Application to the MHRA for semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of MASH with liver fibrosis in adults with obesity or overweight. The MHRA review is expected to take 12–15 months, with a decision anticipated in mid-2027.

---

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