You may be aware of recent media announcements regarding the potential for General Practitioners to prescribe weight loss injections, specifically Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), from June 2025. While this is accurate, it is crucial to understand that the eligibility criteria for this medication will be exceptionally stringent.
National calculations indicate that approximately 220,000 patients across the UK will qualify. It is important to note that some of these patients may already be receiving alternative weight management medications.
Given the current challenges in accessing general practice services and limited resources, we kindly request your cooperation in avoiding unnecessary appointments for Mounjaro prescribing discussions if you do not meet the strict criteria. This will help us ensure that appointments remain available for patients with urgent medical needs.
Eligibility Criteria for Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) Prescription:
To qualify for Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for weight loss, patients must meet the following criteria, based on current guidance:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater. Calculate your BMI with the NHS BMI Tool.
- In addition to a BMI of 40 or greater, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of at least four of the following five co-morbidities:
- Diagnosed Hypertension
- Diagnosed Sleep Apnoea
- Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
- Diagnosed Cardiovascular Disease
- Diagnosed Hypercholesterolemia
- Please note: BMI thresholds will be reduced by 2.5 for individuals of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, reflecting adjusted risk profiles.
If you do not meet a BMI of 40 or above AND at least four of the aforementioned conditions, your GP will unfortunately not be able to prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss under the current guidelines. Therefore, we respectfully request that appointments are not booked for this purpose.
Eligibility Criteria for Semaglutide (Wegovy®) Prescription:
Semaglutide can only be prescribed in a tier 3 weight management service. This is not commissioned in NCL and a way forward is being developed. A digital weight management provider has contacted NCL practices. The ICB does not have a contract with this provider, or oversight of the quality and governance of the service.
Further information about semaglutide is available on the NHS England website and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Next Steps for Potentially Eligible Patients:
If you believe you meet the new criteria, it is essential that your medical records include a recorded BMI within the last three months. If this information is not on file, please visit the Surgery to utilise the blood pressure machine in the waiting room to have your height, weight, and BMI measured. If your BMI is 40 or above and you fulfil the additional criteria, we will proactively contact you to advise on the next steps.
Important Considerations:
- Please do not discontinue any current medication without prior medical advice.
- Prescribing of Mounjaro will not commence until a formal pathway has been established and agreed upon by the Medicines Optimisation Team.
For further information, please refer to the following short clip:
Can you get Mounjaro free from your GP in England?