Weight Management Drugs
Managing Overweight and Obesity: Our Approach to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) and other weight loss drugs in Coventry and Warwickshire
If you're researching weight loss medication through the NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire, here’s what you need to know about Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) and similar treatments.
Current Status
Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy®) and liraglutide (Saxenda®), are not currently available through the NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire for the management of overweight and obesity. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and liraglutide (Victoza) may be prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, but not for weight loss at this time.
Our Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working on a plan to ensure that obesity services meet the needs of our community before these medications can be introduced.
Who Is Eligible for Tirzepatide?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has proposed that Tirzepatide could be used for weight management if patients meet these criteria:
- BMI of 35 or higher (or lower thresholds for certain ethnic backgrounds) and
- At least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnoea
NHS England plans to phase in the introduction of Tirzepatide over the next 12 years, prioritising those with the greatest medical need. In the early stages, this will likely focus on individuals multiple weight-related health conditions.
Phased Introduction
To ensure fair and sustainable access, the NHS is carefully planning how to integrate Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists into weight management services. In Coventry and Warwickshire, we are undertaking a full review of our obesity care pathways. This work is essential to provide the necessary capacity and support for patients who may benefit from these treatments.
What This Means for You
- NHS referrals: If you need support with weight management, you can be referred to existing combined tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services through your GP
- Private treatment: While private clinics may offer weight loss medications, the NHS will not take over the prescribing or monitoring of these treatments
- “Right to Choose” Providers: We are aware that at least one “right to choose” provider, Oviva, is promoting its online weight loss service directly to patients. Coventry and Warwickshire ICB does not commission Oviva or any other “right to choose” weight management provider at present, because we do not consider their offer to be consistent with our approach and policy to weight loss services in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Why Are We Taking This Approach?
With around 65% of adults in Coventry and Warwickshire being classified as overweight or obese, demand for these medications is expected to be high. By developing robust systems and pathways, we aim to:
- Prioritise patients most in need
- Ensure safety and proper lifestyle support alongside medication
- Deliver a fair and consistent service
Looking Ahead
We are committed to updating the public as this work progresses. A dedicated web page with further details will be launched soon to provide more information and guidance.
In the meantime, if you’re searching for weight loss support please look at the following services that are available to you locally here.
This page is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in weight management services and the introduction of medications like Tirzepatide.