Work underway to identify people eligible for weight-loss jab

Work is underway to identify patients who may be eligible for weight-loss jabs.

Earlier this week, NHS England said prescription for Mounjaro jabs will be made available at GP surgeries – but only for those who meet very strict criteria.

The weekly injection is believed to makes you feel full you want to eat less, and can help people lose 20% of their body weight.

GPs say they don’t have enough doctors to deal with demand for the medicine and are urging people not to approach their local surgery unless they are eligible.

Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, was initially licensed to help treat type 2 diabetes, but is now also prescribed to help those with obesity lose weight.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), around 3.4 million patients across England could potentially benefit from the injection. However, the NHS does not currently have the services or resources to manage this number of people.

Therefore, in order to prioritise the treatment for those with the greatest health need, only people who meet strict criteria will be eligible to receive it initially, in line with national guidance.

The first group of eligible patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above (adjusted for ethnicity) and at least four of the following health conditions:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Abnormal blood fats

To avoid overwhelming practices with enquiries about the treatment, patients are asked not to contact their GP practice directly regarding unless invited.

Dr Jess Harvey, co-chair of the GP board at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “This development underlines our commitment to improving outcomes for people most affected by obesity.

“We are working closely with primary care colleagues to ensure that people who meet the criteria for Tirzepatide are identified and contacted directly.

“We kindly ask people not to contact their GP about this treatment and wait to be contacted if eligible. Tirzepatide is a promising tool, but it sits within a broader package of support designed to help people live healthier lives.”