Overview
Soon, GPs will be able to prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss in a limited group of eligible patients.
NHS England estimates approximately 220,000 patients across primary care and specialist weight management services will qualify. Within our practice population of 6,000 patients, around 15–20 individuals are expected to meet the criteria — some may already be using Mounjaro.
Due to limited general practice resources, patients are kindly asked not to contact the practice to request Mounjaro unless they meet eligibility criteria. Prescriptions outside NHS guidance cannot be provided.
What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro®, is a novel dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist recommended by NICE TA1026 for managing obesity alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults.
National NHS Policy and Local Rollout
New policy introduced by NHS England on 23 June 2025.
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are developing localized models for prescription delivery.
In Birmingham and Solihull, GPs are expected to begin prescribing Mounjaro® from autumn 2025 following the development of a locality model.
Eligible patients will be identified through health records and contacted directly by their GP.
Access to medication will be supported by wraparound care including dietary advice and physical activity support.
Eligibility Criteria (Cohort 1: 2025-26)
To qualify for Mounjaro® on the NHS, patients must be:
Aged over 18 with a BMI over 40, and
Have four or more of the following diagnosed conditions:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Heart disease (cardiovascular disease)
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Ethnicity Adjustment:
A lower BMI threshold (reduced by 2.5 kg/m²) will be applied for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.
Access Limitations
Central funding for Tirzepatide in Birmingham and Solihull is very limited.
Access will be prioritized for those with the highest health risks.
- Difficult decisions mean some patients will not be eligible for Tirzepatide on the NHS.
Specialist Weight Management Services Update
Provided by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust:
Demand for services is unprecedented due to rising obesity rates and increased interest in weight-loss medications and bariatric surgery.
New eligibility criteria apply; these services do not provide access to weight management medications.
Referrals accepted only for patients meeting at least one of these criteria:
BMI over 50
BMI over 35 with type 2 diabetes (diagnosed less than 10 years)
Patients with pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions where weight loss aids treatment or outcomes
Patients requiring urgent weight loss for organ transplant
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) requiring frequent lumbar punctures or visual compromise
Patients awaiting planned, time-sensitive surgery hindered by high BMI
Weight loss required for assisted conception in women under fertility care
Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), or severe asthma
Genetic obesity cases not eligible for setmelanotide
These criteria prioritize patients with urgent or complex health needs.
Patient Support & Contact Information
Patients wishing to raise concerns about access to Tirzepatide or specialist weight management services may contact:
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board
Patient Experience and Complaints Team
Alpha Tower, 8th Floor
Suffolk Street Queensway
Birmingham
B1 1TT
Email: bsol.patientexperience@nhs.net
Meanwhile, GPs are encouraged to continue referring patients to appropriate non-specialist weight management services.
Final Notes
We appreciate your understanding as this model evolves and look forward to updating you when the primary care prescription pathway for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) in Birmingham and Solihull is ready for implementation.