On 23rd June 2025, it was announced that people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings. However, the national announcement on 23rd June does not mean people will be able to get a prescription for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on this day.
Weight management services are locally commissioned at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, so services will differ in ICBs across the country. In mid and south Essex, access to tirzepatide will initially be through specialist weight management services only. Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through primary care is not expected to start in mid and south Essex until later in 2025.
Access to tirzepatide in Tier 3 weight management services
In mid and south Essex, tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will be available through Tier 3 specialist weight management services to individuals facing the most significant health risks related to their weight.
Patients who meet the eligibility criteria for Tier 3 weight management services may be referred by their GPs for assessment. There is no change to the prescribing of Wegovy®, which will continue to be offered to those in the Tier 3 specialist weight management service who are eligible to receive the medication.
Tier 3 specialist weight management services are designed to provide service users with a wide range of support such as nutrition advice, psychological support, behaviour change strategies and advice on physical activity. Medication is offered where available and appropriate for the patient’s needs, however not everyone who is accepted onto the Tier 3 service will access medication.
Eligibility criteria for tirzepatide
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. Full qualifying clinical criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more plus four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Access to the drug must be accompanied by wraparound care which will include support for people to make dietary changes and to increase physical activity. Tirzepatide will not be prescribed as a standalone treatment, and patients must fully participate with the wraparound support programme.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) might not be considered clinically suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. Therefore, there are a number of alternative weight management services available in mid and south Essex.
Further details regarding implementation of tirzepatide in primary care settings in mid and south Essex will be provided in the coming weeks.