Important Update on Weight Loss Treatment – Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

We’ve had many questions about Mounjaro, the new weight loss injection.  Here’s what you need to know:

You may have seen recent news about a new medication, tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro), being made available in primary care to support people living with obesity.  While this is a positive step forward, please be aware that this treatment is not yet available at GP surgeries, including here at Melbourne & Chellaston Medical Practice.

Locally Derby and Derbyshire ICB are working hard to design a model that will help us deliver this service this year and more information will follow in due course.  More information for patients can be found here: : Tirzepatide » Joined Up Care Derbyshire

It explains that the local NHS is aiming for this drug to be available to those eligible later in the year but is paused whilst we set up local clinics for Derby and Derbyshire.

For now, we kindly ask that you don’t contact the surgery about Mounjaro, as we’re not currently in a position of offer assessments or prescriptions.

The treatment will on be available to those meeting strict eligibility criteria set nationally.  This includes having a BMI of 40 or above and four of the five stated weight related diagnosed health conditions:

✓ type 2 diabetes

✓ high blood pressure

✓ heart disease

✓ obstructive sleep apnoea

✓ abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia).

Access to the medication goes hand in hand with behavioural support and wraparound care. Those who gain access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on the NHS must also be referred onto a diet and exercise support programme.

The structured wraparound care support focuses on good nutrition to support health and increasing physical activity.  Wrap around care (lifestyle and dietary support, now referred to as Behavioural Support for Obesity Prescribing, BSOP) is being commissioned and funded centrally by NHSE.  The new service is expected to be live from April 26.

Thank you for your support.