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Accessing Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in Gloucestershire

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro™) is a weight loss drug that was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care and Excellence (NICE) in the UK on 23 December 2024.

NICE guidance on Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity in adults
Note: This is available from April 2025.

We are anticipating guidance from NHS England which will help us implement our plans to prescribe this drug to people with the greatest clinical need in a safe and effective way, alongside a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity and psychological support.

Can I be prescribed Tirzepatide for weight loss?

We recognise that it can be difficult for some people living with obesity to access the support they need and that those who are likely to benefit from this medication would like to access it as soon as possible.

Initially, tirzepatide will be prescribed in Gloucestershire through a Specialist Weight Management Service.

We are working with the county’s healthcare services, including GP practices, pharmacies, Public Health and the specialist service, to ensure that those who are eligible for the drug are given 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.

The medication is not currently available for weight loss via prescription from GP practices, so please do not contact your surgery to ask for it.

What support is currently available to me?

  • Live Well advice is available on the NHS Gloucestershire website.
  • If your GP identifies you as being at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, they may offer you the opportunity of taking part in the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
  • We also know that there will be many people who do not qualify for weight loss medication, which may cause disappointment and/or exacerbate new and existing mental health and wellbeing issues. People may find NHS Talking Therapies helpful.