Latest update on injectable weight loss drugs – June 2025

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A new weight-loss treatment,  Mounjaro (tirzepatide), is being introduced on the NHS to support individuals living with obesity. It will join the existing range of injectable medications, including Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).

Although NHS England has approved the drug, all GPs are waiting for information about how the drug will be provided to eligible patients, when, and for how long.   The NHS in Devon are developing plans to be able to make this available to suitable people who meet specific clinical criteria to enable an NHS health professional to prescribe it.

While NHS Devon are in the process of developing these plans, we ask patients not to contact the practice to request a prescription. GP Practices in Devon are not able to prescribe this currently.

 We kindly ask that patients refer to this page for the latest information.

In the meantime a range of weight loss support services are available to support you with weight management, if you would like to discuss weight loss with a clinician please complete an online consultation request. Information about weight management services available in Devon can be found here:

Weight Management – My Condition – MyHealth Devon

NHS England Guidance and Criteria.

The provision of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), is yet to be implemented across Devon. NHS Devon is currently developing plans to make this available to eligible patients.  

NHS England has set the criteria eligibility for the drug which will be rolled out in Phases; this is national policy which, once approved for Devon, all NHS prescribers are required to abide by. For the First Cohort (during 2025-2026), NHS England estimates that 222,000 patients across the UK will be eligible for the injection. This means that across our practice of 43,000 patients, approximately 110 patients will qualify for weight loss injections in the first cohort.

In 2026 and beyond there will be gradually broadening of those eligible on the NHS, see PRN01879-interim-commissioning-guidance-implementation-of-the-nice-technology-appraisal-ta1026-and-the-NICE-fu.pdf for the full NHS England guidance

Once approved in Devon, to be able to be able to have mounjaro prescribed by your GP, you will need a BMI of over 40 with the four of the five following conditions:

1.     Diagnosed hypertension

2.     Diagnosed sleep apnoea

3.     Diagnosed type 2 diabetes

4.     Diagnosed cardiovascular disease

5.     Diagnosed hypercholesterolaemia.

If you do not meet this criteria, we cannot prescribe for you (based on the current guidance).