GP Prescribing of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for Weight Management

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You may be aware of recent media announcements regarding the potential for general practitioners to issue prescriptions for weight loss injections, specifically Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).  Shaftesbury Medical Centre and Church View Surgery are not part of any pilot project and currently are unable to prescribe Mounjaro, we are awaiting agreement on a formal pathway by the Integrated Care Board.  Currently patients requesting Mounjaro can be referred to specialist weight management services but only if they meet the strict eligibility criteria.

Based on NICE guidance to qualify for Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for weight loss, patients must meet the following criteria;

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. (BMI thresholds are 37.5 for individuals of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, reflecting adjusted risk profiles).

In addition to a BMI of 40 or greater you MUST have a confirmed diagnosis of at least FOUR of the following;

  • Diagnosed Hypertension (high blood pressure) AND on treatment.
  • Diagnosed Sleep Apnoea
  • Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
  • Diagnosed Cardiovascular Disease
  • Diagnosed Dyslipidemia

If you do not meet a BMI of 40 (37.5 from BAME background) or above AND at least four of the above conditions your GP will unfortunately not be able to refer you for weight loss injections under the current guidance.

For further information please refer to the following short clip: Can you get Mounjaro free from your GP in England? or use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xcRLyqfsJdM

You may be eligible for health coaching or an exercise program before being eligible for the injections.

If you would like to discuss available weight management provisions, then please book an initial appointment with a social prescriber to explore your options. They can ask a GP to review and refer if needed. You can book an appointment by contacting reception.

For help and advice on weight management you can download the free NHS Weight Loss App  Lose weight – Better Health – NHS