20 August 2026
Important Information for Patients
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a medication that can help with weight loss in some people living with obesity. NHS access is currently restricted to patients who meet specific national eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible?
For 2026/27, patients may be eligible if they:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or above
- Lower threshold of 32.5 kg/m² or above for patients from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds
- Have four or more of the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Dyslipidaemia (abnormal cholesterol levels)
The NHS rollout is phased.
Treatment is currently prioritised for patients with the highest levels of obesity-related health risk. Additional patient groups may become eligible in future years as the national programme expands.
How is treatment provided?
Tirzepatide is only prescribed as part of a structured weight management programme and must be combined with:
- Clinical assessment and regular review
- Nutritional advice
- Physical activity support
- Behavioural and lifestyle support
Patients prescribed tirzepatide will also be referred to an NHS-approved behavioural support programme.
If you are not currently eligible
Most patients who are overweight or living with obesity will not currently meet the NHS criteria for tirzepatide.
However, a range of NHS and local weight management services are available and may be more appropriate.
Private Prescriptions
If you are receiving tirzepatide from a private provider, you should continue to obtain prescriptions, monitoring and follow-up care through that provider.
The practice does not routinely take over prescribing of weight-loss medications started privately.
Before Contacting the Practice
Please note that eligibility is determined by national NHS guidance, not by individual GP practices. Patients who do not meet the current criteria cannot be prescribed tirzepatide on the NHS.
For further information on local weight management services, please visit:
LLR Weight Management Services
https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/long-term-conditions/weight-management/weight-management-for-adults/
Last updated: August 2026