You may have seen media coverage about a new drug which is expected to be made available to a limited number of patients over the coming year.

NICE – the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which advises the NHS on use of medicines - is expecting to approve Mounjaro (also known as Tirzepatide) for some patients from March 2025.

This will initially include only people who have the most serious need for this medication, based on body mass index (BMI) and having at least one obesity-related health problem. It will be provided along with extra support and advice to help patients improve their diet and exercise, which is vital to maintaining a healthy weight in the long term.

It's important to bear in mind that medicines are not the only way to improve your weight, fitness and health, and for many people they are not the best option.

Our specialist weight management services offer a wide range of support to help patients find a sustainable solution to weight problems. We are working to urgently expand these services, as we know waiting lists are currently longer than we would all like. Our GP practices are currently receiving a high level of enquiries about weight loss drugs.

Got questions?

What is changing as a result of NICE’s announcement?

People in England over the age of 18 who are living with obesity and another weight-related health issue will be able to access the weight loss drug tirzepatide through specialist weight management services (SWMS) from spring 2025. In primary care services, access will begin in summer 2025. Tirzepatide is currently prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but will now also be available for weight loss purposes.

Who can access tirzepatide?

This medication is for people living with obesity who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or over and a weight related health problem; or a BMI of 32.5 and one weight related health problem for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds, as they are at a higher risk of medical problems at a lower BMI. 

NHS England will provide more information early next year about exactly which weight related health problems will benefit the most from tirzepatide and which will be eligible for consideration for the medication.

Can I access tirzepatide straight away?

Introducing this new treatment to an estimated 3.4 million eligible patients requires the NHS in England to develop a completely new service for primary care and many healthcare professionals will need to be trained to deliver it.  By taking a staged approach, we will be able to plan the flow of patients carefully so that existing healthcare services are not overwhelmed. This allows the safe prescribing of tirzepatide and appropriate support for patients.

Tirzepatide will initially be offered to individuals facing the most significant health risks related to their weight, starting in spring 2025 through specialist weight management services.

Tirzepatide will not immediately be available and will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. Initially, tirzepatide will only be available on the NHS to those expected to benefit the most. People who are eligible for tirzepatide through primary care services should only expect to start to get access by mid-2025.

How does tirzepatide work for weight loss?

Tirzepatide works by supressing appetite centres in the brain that control gut hormones. It decreases the appetite and slows the movement of food passing through the body, making you feel fuller for longer.

Clinical trials have shown tirzepatide can help people living with obesity lose up 20% of their starting body weight, depending on the dose and accompanying diet and lifestyle support.

Tirzepatide can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional alongside programmes which support people to lose weight and live healthier lives by making changes to their diet and physical activity. Tirzepatide comes as an injection, which can be self-administered once a week.

What if a patient is already receiving tirzepatide treatment?

Patients can continue taking tirzepatide if they are prescribed it to manage their diabetes. If patients are using tirzepatide they have acquired privately, they may be able to access the medication through an NHS prescription if they meet the NICE and NHS qualifying criteria. More information about this will be made available in the new year.

Will everyone who is eligible have access to the drug?

Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone, and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. A healthcare professional will discuss the most appropriate care and support, based on the individual patient’s need. This could include behavioural support programmes, and medical options including prescribing or bariatric surgery.

I’m currently on a waiting list for NHS specialist weight management services. Can I transfer to another list to access this drug?

A healthcare professional will determine if it is appropriate for you to receive tirzepatide as part of your care in a different care setting (for example, through primary care).

The NICE announcement mentions ‘wraparound’ care. What does this mean?

Any patient prescribed tirzepatide must participate in the specifically designed ‘wraparound’ care required by NICE guidance. This focuses on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity.

As NHS England develops the service, it will provide more details of the wraparound support offer for patients who qualify. Patients cannot be prescribed tirzepatide if they do not wish to undertake the wraparound care support.

Will there be a cost to the patient for being prescribed tirzepatide?

Normal prescription charges will apply unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions (for example, because you have a medical exemption certificate).

Register your interest in weight loss drugs and lifestyle changes

You can register your interest in weight loss drugs and lifestyle changes by completing a patient self referral form.

You should complete the form if you:

• Live in the North East or North Cumbria;
• Are interested in Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and lifestyle changes to help you lose weight;
• Have a BMI (body mass index) over 35 – calculate your BMI (opens in new window);
• Have at least 1 health problem related to your weight.

The form will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. We will contact you within 4-6 weeks to invite you to an engagement session where you can find out more information about weight loss medicines and the next steps.

Please see click here to access the self referral portal.