Weight management and Mounjaro

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.
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

Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria

When Mounjaro becomes available to each cohort, eligibility will be phased and it will be delivered not by general practice, but by Semapen and will require a referral which matches the below 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:

Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or type two 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 1st April 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.

Other Weight Management Support Available Now

While Mounjaro is not yet available, Highfield Surgery offers or can refer to several other valuable weight management services:

1. Tier 3 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.

Eligibility Criteria for Referral:

Adult (16+) Living in Blackpool, Wyre or Fylde who meet one of the following:

BMI ≥ 50 kg/m²

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.

2. Oviva Referrals (Weight Loss Injections)

Oviva provides a service for weight loss injections. The criteria is as follows:

BMI ≥50kg/m2*

BMI of at least 40kg/m2* and has engaged with community weight services over a 2 year period but has failed to achieve or maintain weight loss goals.

BMI ≥35kg/m2* and has one or more weight related comorbidities and has engaged with community weight services over a 2 year period but failed to achieve or maintain weight loss goals.

Comorbidities:

Established cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

*There is a tolerance unit of BMI 2.5 on each element of the criteria above in relation to at-risk groups that have higher obesity prevalence rates particularly those with black African or Caribbean and South Asian origin.

3. NHS Digital Weight Management Service

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.

4. Active Blackpool

This scheme helps improve activity levels to support weight loss by offering access to various exercise programmes (charges may apply).

How to Access: This is a self-referral service. About The Referral Programme | Active Blackpool

5. Orlistat Medication

This medication can be prescribed by the surgery for patients with a BMI > 30 (or > 28 with other health conditions, such as diabetes). Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from your diet.

How to Discuss: If you are interested in discussing Orlistat, please book a telephone consultation with one of our nurses. You will also need an appointment with a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) for a pre-start weight measurement.