We have recently seen a big increase in enquires regarding injectable weight loss medication. The following provides information about these drugs, which we will update as the situation changes.
What are the injectable medications for weight loss?
Liraglutide (Saxenda®), semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) are medications to help people living with obesity to lose weight, alongside a healthy diet and physical activity. Liraglutide is given as a daily injection, whilst semaglutide and tirzepatide are weekly injections. Liraglutide and semaglutide are used for up to 2 years. Tirzepatide may be used for longer. However, it is common to re-gain weight quickly after stopping these medications.
Can my GP prescribe them?
National guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations on eligible groups and does not recommend GPs prescribe liraglutide (Saxenda®) or semaglutide (Wegovy®) for obesity. These medicines are only to be used within specialist weight management services, alongside a programme of diet and nutrition support and increased physical activity. This support is an essential part of being prescribed these injections.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is the most recent medication to be recommended by NICE (December 2024) for some eligible groups for managing obesity. It is currently prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but will be available for weight loss purposes for people in England over the age of 18 who are living with obesity and weight related health issues in 2025.
In Phase 1, only people who meet the new rules will be offered the medicine. The rules may change in later phases. The Practice 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. This should happen once the service is live in our area, hopefully by the end of the summer.
Who can get it on the NHS?
NHS England has shared who can get Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) to start with. It will be given in different stages, starting with people who are most in need.
In Phase 1, only people with serious health conditions will be able to get it on the NHS. This is the same everywhere in England.
To get Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), you must:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and
- Have at least four of the following health problems:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol or fat levels in your blood
- Sleep apnoea (trouble breathing while sleeping)
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
You can find more details in the official NHS guidance
What if I am receiving treatment for diabetes?
Patients who are eligible for liraglutide, semaglutide (Ozempic®/ Rybelsus®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) to manage their Type 2 diabetes can be started on treatment and can continue to take their medication in line with local guidance.
Can I get these drugs privately?
Yes. Many pharmacies (including local pharmacies) and online companies offer the service for a cost.
We do not recommend any particular company, and you do not need a referral from your GP to access these services.
Can my GP prescribe tirzepatide, semaglutide or liraglutide for weight loss that has been started privately?
No, your GP cannot prescribe tirzepatide, semaglutide or liraglutide for weight loss that may have been started privately.
Where weight loss injections have been started privately, the prescriber is responsible for your healthcare.
It is important that you seek initial guidance from the service that you have selected to provide the injection, and should you become unwell or require further information or support after commencing weight loss injections it is important that you seek advice from the prescriber.
Can I obtain an NHS referral under “Right to Choose”?
We are aware that online companies e.g. Oviva offer these medications on a right to choose basis (i.e. the service is funded by the NHS).
We are able to complete these referrals, however, please note it is essential that all criteria are met before we complete this, including confirmation of completion of a Tier 2 weight management programme.
Please see the following link for further information. If you fulfil these criteria and would like to be referred, please contact the practice via the triage form providing the necessary information.
Oviva Tier 3 Weight Management Eligibility Criteria
Based on NICE guidance