Weight management
We understand that many patients are interested in weight management support, especially concerning the new medication, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) injections. We’ve seen a significant increase in requests for this treatment.
Important Update Regarding Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®) is expected to be available to NHS patients nationally from 23 June 2025. However, please note:
- The first eligible cohort has been called for by Highfield surgery. This will be provided and managed by Semapen. Further cohorts will be contacted by the surgery when available. Semapen Information leaflet
- Please DO NOT contact your GP to request Mounjaro if you have not already been contacted. Our GPs cannot assist with prescriptions for this medication at this time.
We will directly contact eligible patients when we are able to prescribe Mounjaro.
For general information on weight-loss injectables, you may find the British Heart Foundation’s guide helpful: Weight-loss injections explained – BHF
Option 1
Tier 2 Weight Management consists of two options that are open to two separate groups of patients
- Active Blackpool – Blackpool Council offer an exercise referral scheme, this is a 16-week exercise programme held at one of three council run gyms. This service offers support to help you get active safely with your health condition. This option is open to anyone who wants to lose weight. Cost: From £15.00 a month or £3.00 a session (paid to active Blackpool). More information can be found here: About The Referral Programme | Active Blackpool
- NHS Digital Weight Management – This 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme supports adults with obesity (BMI > 30) who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, or both. It is accessible via a smartphone or computer. How to Refer: If you believe you are eligible, please request a referral via our reception team.
Option 2
Practice nurse led weight management
Please make an appointment to discuss how we can help you with your weight. They cannot prescribe Mounjaro or Ozepmic/Wegovy for weight loss,
Option 3
GLP-1 Injectables – Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide). This service is provided by Oviva or Semapen.
Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria
Cohort 1 – Start from 23rd June 2025
The eligibility criteria has been determined as follows:
- Live in an area identified as one of the most deprived based on the Government’s indices of multiple deprivation (IMD-1).
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more (or 37.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds)
And have at least four of the following long-term conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Established cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (formally diagnosed)
Cohort 2 – Start from 23rd June 2026 You must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 – 39.9 kg/m² AND at least four of the five health conditions listed above.
Cohort 3 – Start from 23rd June 2027 You must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m² AND at least three of the five health conditions listed above.
Please note on BMI adjustment: For individuals from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds, the BMI applied to assess eligibility for Tirzepatide will be adjusted by 2.5 kg/m² downwards due to increased health risks at lower BMI thresholds in these populations.
Option 4
Tier 3 Specialist Weight Management Service for Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.
This multidisciplinary team includes dietitians, occupational therapists, psychologists, and a specialist consultant, aiming to support significant weight and health improvements. They do not currently provide Wegovy (Semaglutide) or Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). This is provided via Semapen/Oviva for eligible patients (see above).
Eligibility Criteria for Referral:
Adult (16+) Living in Blackpool, Wyre or Fylde who meet one of the following:
- BMI ≥ 50 kg/m²
Or
- BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² with ≥1 major obesity related comorbidity.
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Severe hypertension (requires more than two medications)
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Non alcoholic fatty liver disease / Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Severe osteoarthritis (spine, hips, knees) awaiting surgery
- Weight related infertility or PCOS (awaiting fertility treatment)
- Established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- Heart failure where obesity is a key contributor
- Patients needing life prolonging surgery/ intervention dependent on weight loss.
How to Refer: If you believe you meet these criteria, please ask our reception team to request a referral. We will require your up-to-date height, weight & BMI, and may need to call you in for additional checks (e.g., blood tests, blood pressure) depending on your medical records.
