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GP weight loss prescriptions
From 23 June 2025 GPs can prescribe tirzepatide injections for weight management as part of a phased rollout to adults with the highest clinical need. Tirzepatide is also known as Mounjaro®. Patients who meet the national criteria with the greatest health risks will be prioritised.
GP practices will identify people who may be eligible for weight loss injection prescriptions and contact them to discuss whether it is the right option to help them. Patients do not need to contact their GP.
This weight management treatment is not simply the medication, it also includes taking part in additional lifestyle support, which considers things like balanced nutrition, practical support tools for self-care, movement and food. Both the person and the healthcare professional need to agree that weight loss medication is the most appropriate treatment option for them. The person receiving the medication must agree to take part in the lifestyle support programme.
Who is eligible?
To access NHS weight loss injection prescriptions adults need to have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 and at least 4 of the following 5 weight related comorbidities:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Frequently asked questions
Information about the weight loss medication Mounjaro
Mounjaro is the brand name for a medicine called tirzepatide. It is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is now available for weight loss purposes for people in England over the age of 18 who are living with obesity and weight related health issues.
What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a new medicine that helps people lose weight. It works by making you feel full, so you don’t eat as much.
Tests have shown that when used alongside healthy eating and exercise, people can lose up to 20% of their body weight. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a weekly injection that you give yourself, but it must be part of a weight loss programme and prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Who can get Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on the NHS?
It will be given in different stages, starting with people who are most in need.
Access to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is being introduced in a phased way, over 12 years, prioritising people with the greatest clinical need, as set out by NHS England.
The current group of people eligible under the national criteria are people who:
- have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or more (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds. Note: Due to an increased risk of health conditions at lower BMI thresholds in these populations, the BMI applied to assess eligibility for Tirzepatide must be adjusted by 2.5 kg/m2 in people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds to ensure equitable clinical prioritisation and access to appropriate treatment.)
and have at least 4 of the following long-term conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Established cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
You can find more details in the official NHS guidance
Will everyone who qualifies be able to get it?
Not everyone who qualifies will get Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) right away. Some people may not want to use it, and it might not be the best choice for everyone.
Only people who meet the new rules will be offered the medicine. The rules may change in later phases.
Other NHS weight services and surgery will still be available if needed.
What should I do if I think I’m eligible?
GP practices in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will be contacting those who are eligible for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), after the end of June 2025. It will take time to implement this new service, please don’t contact your GP practice as they won’t be able to help until the service is live in your area. We can’t say exactly when you’ll be seen.
If you don’t meet the new NHS rules, you won’t be able to get Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through the NHS.
Other support for losing weight
If you don’t qualify for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on the NHS, there is still a range of support available to you. Find out more
Want to learn more?
Here are some helpful NHS pages with more information:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/obesity
https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-for-obesity
https://www.england.nhs.uk/tirzepatide
https://www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management
Page last reviewed: 24 August 2026