We want to keep you informed about changes to how weight loss treatments are offered on the NHS.
North East London are currently setting up new weight management services across North East London, which will be introduced in stages over the next few months.
As part of this, a new medication called Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will be available to support weight management. It will be offered through specialist services on behalf of local GP practices.
Once the services are up and running, GPs will be able to refer people who meet certain criteria to these specialist clinics. These are likely to be based in hospital or similar healthcare settings.
North East London are working hard to launch these services as soon as possible and will share more details — including how to access them — very soon.
NHS England guidance does not allow GPs to prescribe weight loss injections (such as tirzepatide / Mounjaro) for managing weight loss.
These treatments are only available through specialist NHS services, for patients who meet strict eligibility criteria.
Who can be referred for assessment?
Patients may be referred to the Healthy You service for an assessment for tirzepatide if they meet both of the following:
- A BMI of 40 or above
- Or a BMI of 37.5 or above if you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background
AND
At least 4 of these 5 diagnosed health conditions:
- High cholesterol requiring treatment
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure requiring medication
- Heart or blood vessel disease (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea where treatment like CPAP is needed