Weight Loss Injections
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a Technology Appraisal Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (TA1026).
This Technology Appraisal recommends tirzepatide, also called Mounjaro®, as an option for managing overweight and obesity. Tirzepatide is to be used at the same time as eating fewer calories and increasing physical activity for adults. Unlike other weight loss medicines, it will be prescribable by doctors in local GP practices. However, patients will still need extra support, known as ‘wrap around care’, to help them make long-term changes to their lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight. Lifestyle changes and good habits make the biggest difference in staying at a healthy weight.
National guidance has been shared to help the NHS provide tirzepatide for weight management. These guidelines explain that tirzepatide will be offered to limited groups of patients based on eligibility criteria, in stages over the next few years. This means that not all patients will be able to receive tirzepatide at this time.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB understand that there are many people who would like to use this medication as soon as possible, but we are required to follow the national plan.
Please do not contact your GP practice to ask for tirzepatide for weight loss at this time. GP practices are very busy and handling extra enquiries will take up time that could be used for patient appointments. Once a local plan is agreed, access to the medication for patients who are eligible will made be available.
