Patients may be aware that there has been significant media coverage around the prescribing of weight-loss injections such as Wegovy® (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) via NHS GP practices. These medicines are in a group of medicines called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists.

Whilst NHS England has confirmed these medicines will be available for eligible patients via the NHS, local processes and pathways have not yet been agreed and therefore our local North Central London (NCL) Medicines Management team has advised us not to prescribe these medicines until a formal pathway has been agreed. Once prescribing of these medicines begins, there is likely to be several criteria for eligibility (not just BMI).

Due to the significant demand and limited capacity available, the NCL Integrated Care Board (ICB) expects there to be several stages of prioritisation within cohorts of patients, including those deemed eligible to be able to first access the weight loss medication as part of a package of care along with education and lifestyle advice.

We ask patients not to contact the practice about these medicines in the meantime, as eligible patients will be contacted directly once the pathway is finalised.

Further information about weight loss treatment is available via the NHS website. 

Further patient updates can be found on the NCL ICS website.