Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Prescribing Update
Please do not contact your GP Practice regarding weight loss prescribing at this time. GP Practices are currently reviewing the situation and awaiting further guidance from the local NHS.
Due to current appointment pressures, the reception team will be unable to book reviews for weight loss injections. Eligible patients will be contacted directly in due course.
Qualifying Criteria for Use in Obesity. To be considered eligible, patients must have:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, and Four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
o Type 2 diabetes
o Hypertension (high blood pressure)
o Cardiovascular disease (including heart disease or stroke)
o Obstructive sleep apnoea
o Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol)
Currently, very few patients meet these criteria. However, GP Practices will be reviewing their patient lists over time to identify those who qualify. It is expected that the eligibility criteria will be reviewed and potentially widened each year to include more patients.
Starting 23 June 2025, people living with obesity and four or more of the listed health conditions may have the opportunity to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss support through their GP. Each GP Practice will develop its own plan to manage this process for its patient population.
Access to medication will be considered alongside support for healthy eating and increased physical activity, as part of a national wrap-around service. Engagement with this service will be a requirement for receiving weight loss medication.
Your GP Practice is committed to helping patients live healthier lives. They understand how challenging it can be for people living with obesity to access the right support. That’s why they are working closely with partners across Sussex to deliver services that promote long-term, sustainable improvements in wellbeing.
Obesity is a complex health condition and a leading contributor to serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Your GP Practice understands that some people may feel disappointed or frustrated if they are not currently eligible for medication-based treatments. Living with obesity can be emotionally and physically challenging, and it’s completely normal to experience a range of feelings when seeking support. If you are struggling, https://www.nhs.uk/…/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for…/ offers free and confidential help for people experiencing low mood, anxiety, or other emotional pressures.
Please note: The criteria for prescribing Mounjaro for diabetes (when blood sugar is difficult to manage with oral medications) is different from the obesity criteria outlined above. This can be discussed during routine diabetes reviews.
To learn more about obesity treatment and the support available, please speak to your healthcare team or visit the NHS website.
Further information:
