GLP-1 weight loss drugs: What do Robbie Williams, GP bonuses and insurance have in common?

The UK Government is adding incentive bonus payments for weight loss drug Mounjaro to the GP contract starting in April for practices in England. Incentive payments are a normal part of the GP contract. The goal is to improve access to weight loss support for patients.

Mounjaro (a form of ‘GLP-1’ weight loss drug) became available on the NHS in 2025, but GPs are not prescribing it as often as expected. 

GLP-1 drugs have reportedly been associated with the following complications, although such drugs are relatively new so long-term data is not yet available:

• acute and chronic pancreatitis;
• gastrointestinal issues;
• loss of muscle mass and bone density;
• osteoporosis; 
• eye sight issues (Robbie Williams famously blamed his worsening eyesight on the weight loss jabs);
• nausea;
• vomiting; and
• diarrhoea.

What this means for insurers 

Customer use of dangerous unlicenced drugs

Experts say that outside the NHS, there has been a proliferation of rogue prescribers peddling dangerous unlicensed drugs that are putting patients at risk. Insurers should be mindful of this activity and consider whether additional underwriting controls or policy wording changes should be applied to appropriate product lines.

Increased use of weight loss drugs?

Within the NHS, the use of such drugs is tightly controlled. Eligibility is restricted to those severely obese with both a BMI of over 40 and certain health conditions, or in some specific a BMI of 35 (with some variations depending on ethnic group). Further, there are strict rules to prevent GPs from making prescribing decisions based on or influenced by financial incentives.

However, outside the NHS, GLP-1 use has increased rapidly. 

Risk that customers will fail to disclose weight loss drug use 

Most insurance customers that take weight loss drugs currently obtain them privately. Insurance customers using weight loss drugs could face insurance complications if they fail to disclose their use whilst taking out travel or health policies.

Some customers incorrectly think of weight loss jabs as cosmetic treatments or lifestyle aids, whereas insurers generally consider them to be prescribed medication which must be disclosed. Weight can also be a sensitive topic, which customers may find difficult to discuss.

This could lead to claim disputes if not properly disclosed as a pre-existing condition or medication by customers. Careful phrasing of questions by insurers can help reduce this risk. Some insurers now provide specific guidance about declaring weight loss jab usage. Other insurers are considering adding dedicated questions about weight loss drugs to their question sets.

Underwriting questions 

The cost of weight loss drugs fluctuates and there is a risk that if a customer buys the drugs privately, they may not be able to afford taking them for the full course. This increases the chance of weight being put back on. Even where a full course is taken and with other support such as dietary input provided to NHS patients, studies suggest many users regain at least half the weight once medication ends. Underwriters of relevant products need to factor this in when assessing BMI.