From Monday 23 June, a new weight loss drug called Tirzepatide, will start becoming available for use in primary care settings. Tirzepatide, which is often distributed under the brand name of Mounjaro, can help to promote weight loss when used by patients alongside a calorie-controlled diet and a more active daily lifestyle. Tirzepatide is being rolled out nationally over a few years. Initially it will only be available on the NHS to patients with the highest medical need.
NHS England have defined who will be eligible for Tirzepatide from 23 June 2025. To be considered, you must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and have at least four of the five stated eight related health conditions below
These are:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — requiring treatment with medication
- Heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease) — such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, or peripheral vascular disease. (This does not include conditions such as atrial fibrillation or valvular heart disease.)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) — confirmed by a sleep study and requiring treatment, such as CPAP.
- High cholesterol or triglycerides — usually based on blood test results or if you take medication like statins.
Your GP or healthcare team can assess whether you appear to meet the eligibility criteria and may refer you for the service. A dedicated team within the local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) will do a final review of each patient referred by their GP to confirm the treatment is appropriate. The ICB team will share details of
approved patients with the new service once it goes live.
There may be a wait before the new service contacts you. Please be patient and if you have any health concerns contact your GP practice as you usually would.
The GP or other healthcare professional will not be able to prescribe Tirzepatide directly. You can only get it through the new service.
Please ensure you meet four of the five criteria before requesting to be referred to this service. More information can be found here :Tirzepatide in Primary Care