Weight Loss Medication
People aged 18 or over who are living with obesity and have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 and have one qualifying weight-related comorbidity will have access to the weight loss drug Tirzepatide, either through a specialist weight management service or primary care. There is a lower BMI threshold for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds (usually reduced by 2.5 kg/m2).
It is estimated that around 3.4 million people in England are eligible for the drug. The roll out of Tirzepatide will be carefully managed to ensure healthcare professionals can continue to meet the full range of health needs of all their patients. Initially, only those with the highest clinical need will be prioritised to receive the medication while the NHS tests a variety of new services to care for people living with obesity. This will include prioritising people who are already receiving care in specialist weight management services (SWMS). Patients will be able to access Tirzepatide, where clinically appropriate, within 90 days of NICE’s final guidance being published in SWMS and 180 days in primary care.
Self Referral Portal NENC
The form will take approximately 5-10 minutes for patients to complete. The ICB will get back in touch with the patients within 4-6 weeks to invite them to an engagement session to give them more information about the weight loss medicines and the next steps.
Please see the URL link and QR code below for the weight loss drugs and lifestyle changes – self referral portal:
https://cdn.inhealthcare.co.uk/nencmounjaro/index.html
Patients that do not meet the criteria for the above weight loss medication can access weigh loss injections privately via a regulated UK supplier e.g pharmacies or private on-line doctors.