Making obesity care accessible: Dr Harriet Treacy on affordability and the future of treatment in Ireland

A new era in obesity care

In Ireland, access to effective obesity treatments is changing faster than ever. New medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have reshaped what is possible in managing obesity — not only helping patients lose weight, but also reducing the health complications that come with it.

Yet, as a recent The Times article highlighted, one of the greatest challenges remains: affordability and accessibility. Many people continue to struggle to access life-changing care within the Republic, due to price differences, limited reimbursement options, and the private-only availability of new medications.

For Dr Harriet Treacy, co-founder of Beyondbmi and a practising doctor in Dublin, these challenges underscore why affordability and access must be at the heart of Ireland’s healthcare conversation.

“Effective obesity treatment is a game-changer”

Speaking to The Times, Dr Treacy highlighted the potential of new obesity medications for Irish patients — and the pressing need to make them accessible to everyone who needs them.

Effective obesity treatment, unavailable five or ten years ago, is a game-changer.— Dr Harriet Treacy

She noted that patients reduce or stop medications for hypertension, pain, or conditions like psoriasis as obesity-related inflammation decreases. Never before in her career, she said, had she seen medications capable of helping so many people reduce their reliance on other prescriptions.

Patients that I see in one-to-one consultations are using the term ‘life-changing’ on a regular basis.— Dr Harriet Treacy

Affordability as a barrier — and a priority

New treatments are available privately in Ireland, but the lack of inclusion under the HSE Drugs Payment Scheme continues to make access difficult for many.

Dr Treacy’s work with Beyondbmi focuses on this: ensuring patients receive not just medication, but comprehensive, affordable medical support that fits their long-term health goals.

Beyondbmi works closely with Irish pharmacies and clinicians so patients can access evidence-based treatment safely and locally. By supporting healthcare partnerships within Ireland, the clinic helps patients avoid unnecessary barriers and promotes sustainable, community-based care.

Dr Treacy also highlighted the economic importance of improving access to obesity care.

The economic cost is equivalent to building the children’s hospital annually.— Dr Harriet Treacy

These savings reflect not only reduced personal healthcare costs but also potential long-term benefits for Ireland’s wider health system.

Beyondbmi’s mission: accessible, compassionate, evidence-based care

At Beyondbmi, accessibility is not just about price — it’s about removing barriers to care. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team of doctors, dietitians and behavioural experts provides a holistic programme that addresses the medical, nutritional and psychological aspects of obesity.

This approach ensures every patient receives treatment tailored to their body, lifestyle and needs, making long-term success both achievable and affordable.

Obesity is not a lack of willpower — it’s a medical condition. Treating it with the same compassion and science as any other chronic disease is essential to building a healthier Ireland.

Obesity is a head-to-toe disease. There’s a 60% overlap between obesity and depression and anxiety.— Dr Harriet Treacy

Looking ahead

The path forward depends on two key commitments: ensuring affordability and supporting local access through trusted healthcare providers. With continued collaboration between clinicians, pharmacies and policymakers, Ireland can build a system where effective treatment isn’t a privilege — it’s a standard.

At Beyondbmi, Dr Harriet Treacy and her team are proud to lead that effort, one patient at a time.