Weight Loss Medication

Accessing weight loss medication – If you are eligible for weight loss medication (Tirzepatide) you will be contacted. Please do not contact your GP surgery for a prescription.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro©) is a weight loss drug that was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care and Excellence (NICE) in the UK in December 2024.

NICE guidance on tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity in adults

This type of weight loss medication works by mimicking gut hormones released by the body after eating, telling your brain you are full. It should only be used together with behavioural support which includes a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity and psychological support.

Can I be prescribed Tirzepatide for weight loss?

We know that it can be difficult for some people living with obesity to access the support they need. We also understand that people who could benefit from tirzepatide would like to access it as soon as possible.

In Gloucestershire, we are following guidance from NHS England. NHS England has asked us to start prescribing to the people with most medical need and then prescribe to more people in a phased way, over several years.

As of late December 2025, some patients in Gloucestershire may be able to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) via their GP. Please do not contact your GP to request a prescription. GP practices in Gloucestershire are working as quickly as possible to identify patients with the greatest need and will be in touch with eligible patients to arrange an initial appointment as soon as possible.

We are working with the county’s healthcare services, including GP practices, community pharmacies, Public Health and the specialist weight management service, to make sure that people eligible for tirzepatide get the right care and support when they start the treatment to help them gain the greatest health benefits.

This will include healthy lifestyle programmes to help people to lose weight through changes to their diet, nutrition and physical activity.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Based on the current guidelines, we expect around 450 people in Gloucestershire, who are living with obesity, to be able to access the drug in the first year.

To qualify for tirzepatide currently, you must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater or equal to 40 (this will be adjusted to reflect cultural variations)* 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)

*Please be aware that if you are invited for an initial appointment to discuss a prescription for tirzepatide for weight management, your GP practice will need to measure your BMI on the day to check eligibility, a self-reported BMI will not be accepted.

Behavioural Support for Obesity Prescribing (BSOP)

If you are invited to an initial appointment by your GP and your eligibility for tirzepatide is confirmed, your GP will refer you to the Behavioural Support for Obesity Prescribing (BSOP) programme. This is a 9-month programme (delivered online and face-to-face if preferred) designed to support individuals who have been prescribed tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). The programme combines medical treatment with tailored behavioural, nutritional and psychological support, helping you to build sustainable habits for long-term health and wellbeing.

To be eligible for tirzepatide on the NHS, participation in this programme is mandatory. As soon as the programme provider confirms with your GP that you have started the programme, your prescription will be initiated.

If you drop out of the programme before completion, your GP will be informed, and you will no longer be able to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) via the NHS.

For more information, please visit – Weight loss medication : NHS Gloucestershire ICB