With GPs continuing to experience increased demand for weight loss medication, NCL ICB would like to update you on its phased approach to prescribing tirzepatide and to share its public-facing communications.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published its recommendations on Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for managing overweight and obesity in adults in December 2024.
NHS England has confirmed funding arrangements and national guidance to support this phased programme. The NHS in north central London is working with system partners which include GP practices, hospital and community trust providers to confirm what approach will be taken to making this available locally.
Due to the significant demand and limited capacity available, the ICB expects there to be several stages of prioritisation within cohorts of patients, including those deemed eligible to be able to first access the weight loss medication as part of a package of care along with education and lifestyle advice.
The medicines optimisation team continues to work to ensure acute providers are not requesting GPs to prescribe glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in primary care until a formal pathway is agreed.
NCL ICB will continue to update its public-facing website with information, including resources on weight-loss programmes available locally.
Further information about tirzepatide is available on the NHS England website and the National Clinical Institute for Excellence website.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Semaglutide can only be prescribed in a tier 3 weight management service. This is not commissioned in NCL and a way forward is being developed. A digital weight management provider has contacted NCL practices. The ICB does not have a contract with this provider, or oversight of the quality and governance of the service.
Further information about semaglutide is available on the NHS England website and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
This item was updated on 23 June 2025 to reflect the ICB phased approach to prescribing Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for managing overweight and obesity in adults.
