Weight Loss Injections

From 23 June 2025, a new medication called Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) may be available to some patients in general practice as part of a national NHS programme to support weight management.

Who is eligible?

At this time, only a small group of patients will be eligible to receive tirzepatide on an NHS prescription. You must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• Have at least four of the following five medical conditions:

1. High blood pressure (and taking medication for it)
2. Abnormal cholesterol or triglycerides (or taking treatment for these)
3. Sleep apnoea confirmed by a sleep study
4. Cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or heart failure)
5. Type 2 diabetes

If you do not meet all of these criteria, you are not eligible for this medication at this stage.

This is part of a phased national NHS rollout. Only the highest-risk patients are eligible initially. Over time, more groups may become eligible. We will update you if that happens.

What does the medication do?

Tirzepatide works by helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. It is given as a weekly injection and may support weight loss alongside other health improvements.

What other support will I receive?

If you qualify for tirzepatide, the NHS will provide:

• Diet and nutrition support
• Help with physical activity
• Educational support around healthy lifestyle change

This is known as “wraparound care” and is a key part of the treatment.

Published: Jun 24, 2025