Mounjaro

There has been significant media coverage of weight loss drugs and we recognise that this has meant a large number of enquiries to request to prescribe.

There are an estimated 3.4 million eligible patients nationally. The treatment will be made available in phases to help manage demand on existing services and ensure staff are appropriately trained and able to give patients the support they require.

We are not able to prescribe this drug in primary care other than those who are diabetic and are not to good sugar control will be through the GP practice. It is prescribed in what is called Tier 3 weight management clinics.

Tirzepatide will not immediately be available and will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. Initially, Tirzepatide will only be available on the NHS to those who are expected to benefit the most – we will as Leeds Practices be searching and contacting these patients in the tiered approach.

Tirzepatide will initially be offered to individuals facing the most significant health risks related to their weight. Most people who fall within this category should only expect to get access to Tirzepatide through a referral into Tier 3 services by mid-2025 at the earliest with timelines subject to further national guidance being made available and ICB implementation/decision making. We will contact these patients directly so there is no need to contact practices to request GP referral at this stage.

Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. A healthcare professional will discuss the most appropriate care and support, based on individual patient’s need. This could include behavioural support programmes, medical options including prescribing or bariatric surgery.

Some patients will want to try to access this drug privately. We would urge you if you do to find a CQC registered facility with medical cover to help you and to inform us that you are taking any private weight management drugs so we can record this on your notes.

Weight loss drugs are just one option available to support patients in managing overweight and obesity. Information on local support available for healthy diet, weight and physical activity is available here. Community-Services-Info-Sheet-FEB-2025-1.docx

The NHS website provides advice and information to patients about improving their lifestyle and losing and managing their weight safely by eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity. Obesity – NHS.

We hope this helps you

West Leeds Family Practice