We are aware of recent announcements in the media suggesting that weight loss medications are now available from GPs. We understand that this may have prompted interest and questions from patients seeking support with weight management.

At this time, GP practices in Lancashire and South Cumbria have not yet received confirmation or commissioning to prescribe these medications. We are currently awaiting official guidance and commissioning updates from local NHS authorities regarding how and when this service might be provided.

We would like to reassure you that we will share further information as soon as it becomes available. If our practice is commissioned to deliver this service, we will offer appropriate appointments to eligible patients who meet the clinical criteria.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Patient queries can be directed to our patient experience team at lscicb-fw.patientexperience@nhs.net

The new weight management medication, Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro), will be 
available to NHS patients nationally from 23 June.

In Lancashire and South Cumbria, while some people may currently qualify for the 
medication based on national eligibility criteria, it will not be available locally just yet. Please 
do not contact your GP as they are currently unable to help. 

Who is eligible?

The first group of people eligible under the national criteria includes individuals who:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more (or 37.5 kg/m² for people from 
  minority ethnic family backgrounds)

And have at least four of the following long-term conditions:

• Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or type two diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidaemia
• Established cardiovascular disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (formally diagnosed)

(Source: NHS England Interim Commissioning Guidance – NICE TA1026)

Local roll out

We are currently looking at the options for a new specialist weight management service to 
cover Lancashire and South Cumbria. This service is being designed in response to 
feedback from local people about what matters most to them:

• Choice: Both face-to-face and online support and access to a range of treatment 
  options.
•  Accessibility: A service that is easy to access and inclusive.
• Timely: Access to services when they are needed most without long waiting lists.
• Holistic: A service that helps people change their relationship with food for the better.

We are listening. That is why we are taking the time to build a sustainable model that 
reflects the priorities of local people and will serve Lancashire and South Cumbria for the 
long term. 

What is next?

 We are working as quickly as possible to ensure we have sustainable services available in 
Lancashire and South Cumbria. In the meantime, we will continue to provide our current 
support offer for people eligible for help with weight management.