NHS North West London to roll out new weight management medicines
Which medicines are being rolled out?
The main medicine being introduced is Tirzepatide, which has already been used to treat type 2 diabetes and is now approved for weight management. Another medicine, semaglutide, is also available through specialist services, but the current rollout in North West London is focusing on Tirzepatide.
Both medicines are most effective when combined with diet, physical activity, and lifestyle support. They will only be prescribed as part of a wider weight management programme.
Who is eligible?
In the first phase, access will be limited to a small group of patients who are at the highest risk from obesity-related health problems. To qualify, people need to:
- Be aged 18 years or over
- Have a BMI of 40 or above (or 37.5 and above for some ethnic groups where health risks appear earlier)
- Have at least four obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea, or high cholesterol.
As the programme expands, more patients will become eligible, including those with a BMI of 35 and health conditions linked to obesity.
How the medicine works
Tirzepatide helps with weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing how quickly the stomach empties, and helping people feel fuller for longer. This makes it easier to eat less and lose weight steadily.
Studies have shown that people taking Tirzepatide alongside lifestyle changes can lose up to 20% of their body weight. The medicine is given as a once-weekly injection, which patients can administer themselves after receiving training.
Prescription costs
For patients who are prescribed Tirzepatide through the NHS, the medicine will be available free at the point of care, like other NHS prescriptions. Private prescriptions do exist, but they can cost several hundred pounds a month, making the NHS rollout especially important for ensuring fair access.
How to access the treatment
Patients cannot sign up for these medicines directly. Access is through referral from a GP into Tier 3 specialist weight management services. These services provide a complete package of care, including support with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes alongside the medicine.
North West London is also expanding its Tier 3 services to make it easier for patients to access help close to home.
The rollout of Tirzepatide in North West London is a major milestone in the fight against obesity. By combining effective medicines with the right lifestyle support, the NHS is giving patients a new way to improve their health and quality of life.
Find out more by clicking here.
More about Tirzepatide.
Further support
Weight can also impact our mental health and how we look at our bodies, always reach out to talk to someone you are comfortable with or a healthcare professional.
Find out more here about how to get help and who to contact.
Read more about STRIDES (Support to Recovery in Disordered Eating Service).
Here are some websites that offer more advice and information about healthy lifestyle and weight loss
