Weight Management and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

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We understand that many patients are interested in weight management support, especially regarding the new medication Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide).

Important Update

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria has approved its policy for prescribing Mounjaro for weight management.

Please do NOT contact the surgery to request this medication. If you are eligible, we will contact you directly.

Eligibility Criteria for Mounjaro

To qualify for treatment under the current policy, patients must:

  • Live in an area identified as one of the most deprived based on the Government’s Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD-1).
  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of:
    • 40 kg/m² or more, or
    • 37.5 kg/m² or more for people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
  • Have at least four of the following long-term conditions:
    • Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or Type 2 diabetes
    • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    • Dyslipidaemia
    • Established cardiovascular disease
    • Obstructive sleep apnoea (formally diagnosed)

The NHS will provide GP practices with a list of eligible patients. Practices will proactively contact those patients to offer treatment.

Other Weight Management Support Available Now

While Mounjaro access is limited, we offer or can refer to several other valuable weight management services:

1. Specialist Weight Management Service

A multidisciplinary team including dietitians, occupational therapists, psychologists, and a specialist consultant, aiming to support significant weight and health improvements.

Eligibility Criteria for Referral:

  • BMI > 40 (or > 37.5 for individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds)
  • AND four or more of the following conditions:
    • Hypertension
    • Obstructive sleep apnoea
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
    • Dyslipidaemia
    • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
    • Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia

How to Refer:
If you believe you meet these criteria, please ask our reception team to request a referral via our nursing team. We will require your up-to-date height, weight & BMI, and may need to call you in for additional checks (e.g., blood tests, blood pressure) depending on your medical records.

2. Oviva Weight Loss Injection Service

Oviva provides a service for weight loss injections. Patients need to complete their eligibility questionnaire on the Oviva website first. If eligible, you can then request a referral from our surgery.

Important Note:
We are currently unable to carry out investigations (such as blood tests, height, weight, and blood pressure checks) required for an Oviva referral, as the Integrated Care Board (ICB) has not yet commissioned us to do so for this provider.

3. NHS Digital Weight Management Service

A 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme supporting adults with obesity (BMI > 30) who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, or both. Accessible via smartphone or computer.

How to Refer:
If you believe you are eligible, please request a referral via our reception team.

4. Active Blackpool

This scheme helps improve activity levels to support weight loss by offering access to various exercise programmes (charges may apply).

How to Access:
This is a self-referral service. Visit: Blackpool Council – Online Referral Form

5. Orlistat Medication

This medication can be prescribed by the surgery for patients with a BMI > 30 (or > 28 with other health conditions, such as diabetes). Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from your diet.

How to Discuss:
If you are interested in discussing Orlistat, please book a telephone consultation with one of our nurses. You will also need an appointment with a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) for a pre-start weight measurement.