Weight Loss Medication

Local Funding Not Yet in Place 

We are aware of growing public interest in the new weight loss medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) following recent media coverage and national guidance. While this treatment has been approved for use in certain cases, we would like to clarify the current position for patients registered with the Derby Medical Centre and across the local Surrey Heartlands NHS area.

 At this time, local NHS commissioning arrangements have not yet been agreed to fund Mounjaro for weight management in primary care. This means we are currently unable to prescribe this medication or process referrals for it until formal funding and pathways are in place.

 Please do not contact the surgery to request Mounjaro or an appointment to discuss eligibility at this stage. We are unable to take any action until local protocols are confirmed.

 What Will the Criteria Be (Once Funding Is Approved)?

 When Mounjaro becomes available locally, access will be based on strict NHS eligibility criteria. These are:

 A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above and a diagnosis of four of the following five criteria:

  • Hypertension
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hypercholesterolemia

 Only those who meet all of the above criteria will be considered. Patients not meeting the NHS criteria should not book GP appointments for this purpose, as the medication will not be prescribed outside of agreed guidelines.

 Check Your BMI

To see if you may meet the BMI threshold, you can calculate your BMI using this NHS tool:   www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator

 Local Weight Management Support

If you are looking for support with managing your weight, the following local resources may be helpful:

  We’ll Keep You Updated

 We will provide a further update as soon as funding and referral pathways for Mounjaro are confirmed locally. Please check our website and practice notices for the latest information.

Published on 23 June 2025