Weight loss drugs – information for patients

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.

It is expected that 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.

Urgent – do not buy unregulated medicines

The NHS is warning people in our region about serious dangers from people buying unregulated medicines such as 'skinny jabs', often from online sellers.

Unregulated sellers, often operating online, bypass vital consultations with GPs or pharmacists, leaving you vulnerable to serious harm, including life-threatening consequences. Taking prescription-only medication without proper advice from a GP or pharmacist is extremely dangerous. Counterfeit drugs are often expired, diluted, or may not even be the medicine they are advertised as. This can cause harmful side effects, react badly with other medicines you’re taking - or even be fatal. There's also a serious risk of taking too much medication by mistake.

Tragically, several people in the UK have already died after taking unregulated drugs purchased online.

Unregulated sellers, often operating online, bypass vital consultations with GPs or pharmacists, leaving patients vulnerable to serious harm, including life-threatening consequences.

If you feel you need help, please talk to a GP or pharmacist who will be able to advise you a safe way to meet your needs.