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Weight loss drugs - information for patients
What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a new medicine that helps people lose weight. It works by making you feel full, so you don’t eat as much.
Tests have shown that when used alongside healthy eating and exercise, people can lose up to 20% of their body weight. It’s a weekly injection that you give yourself, but it must be part of a weight loss programme and prescribed by a doctor.
Find out more on the North East and North Cumbria NHS website.
NHS weight loss Treatment update
You may have seen in the media that from 23 June 2025, some GP practices can begin offering a new NHS treatment called Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
This does not mean the medicine will be prescribed straight away or available immediately. This treatment is also only available to people who have certain medical conditions.
We are experiencing a lot of enquiries about this. Please be patient with us while the NHS rolls out this treatment safely and fairly. DO NOT contact the practice to check your eligibility; the practice will contact you.
You can find lots of useful information about Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) on this page. This includes details about who is eligible and other options to support you with weight loss.
Please do not call NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) about this medicine – we are not able to give any further information.
Who can get this treatment?
Tirzepatide will only be offered to people who have the highest clinical need, this means those whose health is most affected by obesity and who are likely to benefit the most.
To be considered for this treatment, you must:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and
- Have at least four of the following health conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol or high fat levels in the blood
- Sleep apnoea (trouble breathing while asleep)
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Important things to know
- You will need a full clinical assessment.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) will only be given as part of a full NHS care plan. This includes referral to wrap around care programme to support with healthy eating and lifestyle changes.
- Other NHS weight management services are still available and may be more suitable for you.
