Important Update on Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for Weight Loss

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We know many people have seen headlines about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) being made available on the NHS to support weight loss. However, it’s important to understand the very strict medical criteria for eligibility.

Most people who are paying privately for weight loss injections will not qualify for an NHS prescription.

Who might be eligible?

Access is being phased in gradually across England and is strictly limited to patients with serious weight-related health problems. In year one, only people meeting all of the following will be considered:

  • A BMI of 40 or more (adjusted for ethnicity – see below), and;

At least four of the following health conditions:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

This is known as Cohort 1 and is due to start from June 2025.

Access will gradually expand to other groups (Cohort 2 and 3) over the next two years, depending on clinical need and NHS capacity.

If you do not meet these strict criteria, you will not be eligible for an NHS prescription, even if you have been paying privately.

What’s happening in Kent and Medway?

Although NHS England has announced the start of Mounjaro prescribing from June 2025, Kent and Medway ICB is not yet ready to launch this service. This is because:

  • The NHS also requires patients to attend a specialist diet and lifestyle programme alongside the medication.
  • This support service is not yet available locally, so GPs in Kent and Medway are currently unable to prescribe Mounjaro.

Not available through ‘Right to Choose’

Please note, Mounjaro is not available under the Right to Choose pathway and cannot currently be accessed this way.

We know this may be frustrating and confusing, but this is a national decision, and not something GP surgeries can override.

For further details, including patient FAQs and updates on local services, please visit: Update on availability of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to support weight loss :: Kent & Medway ICS

Thank you for your patience and understanding.