Introduction

Weight loss medications on the NHS are prescribed for a very narrow spectrum of patients with multiple medical conditions.

In line with NHS England guidance, this treatment will be available initially for a small number of eligible patients whose body mass index (BMI) is above 40 and who have been diagnosed with four or more obesity-related health conditions from the list below:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension) – requiring treatment with medication
• Heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease) – such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, or peripheral vascular disease (this does not include conditions such as atrial fibrillation or valvular heart disease)
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – confirmed by a sleep study and requiring treatment such as CPAP
• High cholesterol or triglycerides – usually based on blood test results or if you take medication such as statins

If you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic background, your BMI threshold is 37.5 or above.

Introduction of Tirzepatide to support weight management for appropriate eligible patients

 

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Suitability

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) may not be suitable for everyone, even for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

It is not recommended if you are:

• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Living with certain medical conditions

Some patients may choose not to use this medication or may benefit more from alternative approaches to weight management.

For further information, please visit:
Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System

 

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Important Information: HRT and Contraception

Weight loss medications, including tirzepatide, may affect how other medicines are absorbed in your body.

This is particularly important for patients taking:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Oral contraception (combined pill or progesterone-only pill)

 

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Contraception Advice

If you are taking oral contraception while using weight loss injections such as tirzepatide:

• The effectiveness of the pill may be reduced
• You should consider using an additional method of contraception (such as condoms)
• You may wish to consider a non-oral method (e.g. coil, implant, injection, patch or ring)

Please contact your local pharmacy for further advice on suitable options.

 

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HRT Advice

 

If you are taking oral HRT:

• Absorption may be affected by weight loss medications
• This may reduce effectiveness or alter symptom control

You may wish to consider alternative forms of HRT (such as patches, gels or sprays), which are not affected in the same way.

 

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When to Seek Advice

Please contact the practice if:

• You are unsure about your contraception
• You experience unexpected bleeding
• Your menopausal symptoms change
• You have any concerns about your medication

 

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Further Information

For more detailed guidance, please see:

• NHS – Weight management information

 

• Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare – Contraception guidance

GLP-1 agonists (e.g. Mounjaro) and contraception or HRT

• British Menopause Society – HRT information

 

GLP-1 agonists (e.g. Mounjaro) and contraception or HRT

Patient information - FSRH - GLP - 1 - Agonists and Contraception

 

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Important Reminder

Weight loss medications should only be used under medical supervision and as part of a broader approach to health and wellbeing.