Since our original update in June, we have noticed an increase in patient enquiries regarding the medication Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
At School Lane, we would like to remind patients that we are not currently prescribing Mounjaro for weight loss or obesity. This is because a safe and appropriate service to provide this treatment is not yet in place within primary care.
Locally, our NHS commissioner, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), is working to establish the necessary services to support patients who may be eligible. At present, we do not have a confirmed start date for this community service. Access, once available, will be limited to a small group of patients who meet strict national eligibility criteria.
Currently, to be considered eligible a patient must have:
- A BMI of 40 or more
PLUS four or more of the following diagnosed conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Dyslipidaemia (abnormal levels of fat in the blood)
When the new community service is established, we will be able to refer eligible patients directly. Please note that we are not keeping a waiting list, as there is still no confirmed timescale for when this service will begin.
In the meantime, a small number of patients who already meet the above criteria may be referred to the specialist Tier 3 Weight Management Service, which is run by an experienced team who can provide safe, holistic support for weight management. This may include, where appropriate, considering medications such as Mounjaro as part of a wider treatment plan.
It is important to understand that medication alone is not a “quick fix”. Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of lifestyle, nutritional, and psychological support alongside any medical treatment.
For further information, please see the Norfolk and Waveney ICB website here: https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/medicines/tirzepatide-frequently-asked-questions/