Tirzepatide: A new treatment option for managing obesity
- Alex Richards
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
From Monday 23 June, people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (also known as Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings such as GP practices and community pharmacies.
This does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately. It means primary care settings can begin discussions with patients about whether tirzepatide is the right option to improve their health through weight loss.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised.
From 23 June 2025, people who meet the qualifying criteria (a BMI of at least 40 and four of the five stated weight related comorbidities), will be able to gain access to the drug via primary care, if both patient and clinician agree it is the most appropriate treatment option.
Full qualifying criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 plus and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure
heart disease
obstructive sleep apnoea
abnormal blood fats
Tirzepatide is also not the only option. Other free NHS services include:
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme – for people with high blood pressure or diabetes, and a BMI over 30 (27.5 for some ethnic groups).
NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme – for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last 6 years and who are overweight.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you qualify for treatment with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) you will be contacted by your practice or local health care providers in due course to discuss this with you. Please do not contact your GP to discuss this without being invited to do so.
Weight management services are locally commissioned and funded at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, which means services will differ across each ICB.
To find out more, please visit: Obesity - Treatment - NHS.
