Following a recent outbreak of measles in London, we strongly advise all parents and carers to ensure that children are fully immunised with the MMR vaccine.
You may have seen in the news that a new medication called tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) has been approved by the NHS to help support weight loss in certain patients living with obesity.
While national guidance (from NICE) now recommends tirzepatide as part of a supported weight management programme, most GP practices – including ours – are currently unable to prescribe this medication for weight loss.
Who is eligible?
In the initial phase, NHS England is prioritising access for people with the greatest medical need. This means you must meet all of the following criteria:
A BMI of 40 or more, and
At least four diagnosed health conditions linked to obesity from the following list:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Cardiovascular disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea
High cholesterol or other lipid conditions (dyslipidaemia)
Over time, eligibility may expand, but currently very few people qualify.
What’s happening now?
Most local NHS areas (called ICBs) are still developing services and pathways for how and where tirzepatide will be offered. This includes setting up the wraparound care required to support safe and effective weight loss (such as dietary advice and behavioural support).
What should I do?
Please don’t contact the GP practice for a prescription at this time – we are unable to prescribe tirzepatide for weight loss until the local NHS service is up and running.
We will update this page when more information becomes available and local access is confirmed.
Or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme if you have a BMI over 30, along with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
If you are from a Black, Asian or other ethnic minority background, the BMI limit is lower at 27.5, as health risks like type 2 diabetes can start at a lower weight:
National Context
Following NICE guidance (TA1026, published December 2024), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is approved as a treatment option for managing overweight and obesity in adults, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Eligibility Criteria (initial phased rollout)
Access is being prioritised for adults with the highest clinical need, defined as:
BMI ≥40and
Four or more of the following comorbidities:
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Dyslipidaemia
Over time, eligibility will expand to include adults with a BMI ≥35 (or ≥32.5 for certain ethnic groups at higher risk) and at least one qualifying comorbidity.
Wraparound Care Requirement
Tirzepatide can only be prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management service that includes:
Nutritional and dietary support
Behavioural change interventions
This wraparound care is a mandatory requirement under the NICE guidance and is essential for safe, effective use.
Please see the following link for the up to date information from the ICB.
