We want to keep you informed about changes to how weight loss treatments are offered on the NHS.
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?
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
Other support is available
We understand that managing weight can feel challenging, and there is other support available. We can still refer you to other NHS weight management services.
If you would like more information please visit these services:
Important Reminder for Anyone on Oral Contraception or HRT taking or thinking of staring weight loss injection (obtained privately)
If you are using hormone replacement therapy tablets (HRT) or the Contraceptive Pill , and you’re thinking about or already using weight loss injections like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), there are a few important things you need to know.
The weight loss medications slow down stomach emptying (this is called delayed gastric emptying), it can also slow down how quickly some medications (especially oral ones like the pill or HRT tablets) are absorbed into the bloodstream.
➡️ If you’re on HRT tablets, poor absorption of progesterone can raise your risk of womb cancer — especially if you already have conditions like diabetes or PCOS.
➡️ If you’re on the pill, poor absorption can make it less effective and increase the risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
Please speak to your weight loss provider or GP Surgery if you are on either oral contraception or HRT before starting or continuing
