Prescribing Criteria for Weight-Loss Medications (Mounjaro®, Wegovy®, Saxenda®)
What’s new?
From 23 June 2025, GPs in England can prescribe tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) in primary care as part of a phased rollout under NHS England’s Interim Commissioning Guidance. This follows NICE TA1026 (December 2024), which also supports semaglutide and liraglutide for weight management.
Who qualifies
Patients aged ≥18 registered with a GP and meeting all of the following on NHS primary care rollout:
- BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²
A lower BMI threshold (–2.5 kg/m²) applies for those from South Asian, Black African, Caribbean, Chinese, or Middle Eastern backgrounds
PLUS at least 4 obesity-related comorbidities
- type 2 diabetes
- hypertension
- cardiovascular disease
- dyslipidaemia
- sleep apnoea
How can you access support?
Check eligibility against the above criteria.
Discuss your weight, health conditions, and treatment options with your GP.
GP will refer you to local specialist or community weight-management services.
You’ll receive a tailored plan with medication + lifestyle support (diet, exercise, psychological care).
Important Notes
These medications must be used alongside lifestyle changes—they are not a substitute for diet and physical activity
Access varies by region. Some ICBs have yet to open prescribing pathways; please contact surgery staff for updates.
Private prescriptions remain available, but NHS prescribing is presently limited to high-need cohorts.
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