Weight Loss Treatment with Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a medication that can help with weight loss. It works by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller for longer.

It is prescribed alongside lifestyle support such as healthy eating and physical activity.

Important note:

• This treatment is offered as an optional service by our GP practice. Not all GP surgeries provide this service, and if you move to another practice, we cannot guarantee that your new GP will continue prescribing tirzepatide, even if you are already receiving it from us.

• Our practice is currently setting up this service. We will be proactively identifying and contacting eligible patients using a structured search of our clinical records. Please be patient while this process is underway. If you believe you meet the criteria but have not been contacted by the end of August 2026, please get in touch with us and we will review your records to confirm eligibility before arranging a clinic appointment.

Who can have this treatment?

You may be eligible if:

✅ You have a high body weight:

• BMI of 35 or above, OR
• BMI of 32.5 or above if you are from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds

AND

✅ You have at least 4 of the following health conditions:

• Heart disease or previous stroke (cardiovascular disease)
• High blood pressure requiring treatment
• Abnormal cholesterol levels (treated or confirmed on blood tests) – there are specific numerical thresholds that we adhere to
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (confirmed by a sleep clinic and requiring CPAP)
• Type 2 diabetes

Important: Support programme requirement

All patients taking tirzepatide must take part in a structured NHS support programme:

The Healthier You: NHS Behavioural Support for Obesity Prescribing (BSOP)

• A 9‑month programme
• Delivered online, remotely or face-to-face
• Includes support with diet, activity and behaviour change

📍 In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, this is provided by Thrive Tribe

👉 Your GP practice will refer you.

❗ If you do not join or complete this programme:

• Your treatment will need to be stopped

How well should the treatment work?

Your progress will be reviewed regularly.

After 6 months:

• You should have lost at least 5% of your starting weight

❗ If this target is not met:

• Your GP will discuss stopping the medication, as recommended by NICE guidance

Why is this important?

Tirzepatide is most effective when:

• Combined with lifestyle changes
• Used alongside professional support
• Continued only if it is working for you

This helps ensure the treatment is safe, effective and the right choice for your health.

Key points to remember

✔ You must meet specific health criteria
✔ You must take part in the NHS support programme
✔ Your progress will be reviewed after 6 months
✔ Treatment may stop if it is not effective or if the programme is not completed