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

Appointment at the practice, this involves the potential prescribing of Orlistat if suitable: Orlistat: a medicine to treat obesity – NHS

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.