You may have seen information in the media recently about the release of NICE guidance (TA1026) Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) injections for managing Obesity and Overweight in Adults, as well as its use to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
Mounjaro for Obesity:
Alert!
In the coming months GPs will be able to prescribe Mounjaro on the NHS to certain cohorts of patients that meet strict eligiblity criteria. This service has not yet been developed by NHS Devon and we are currently unable to initiate prescribing for Mounjaro to patients for Obesity until this has been agreed and developed.
Mounjaro – NHS Devon current position (30th June 2025)
Tirzepatide, commonly known as Mounjaro, is a drug that up to now has only been prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. Recently published NHS guidance is now recommending this is also considered as an option for managing overweight and obesity, alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Provision of Mounjaro for weight management is yet to be implemented across Devon.
NHS Devon is therefore advising GPs to not prescribe Mounjaro for weight management at this time.
Patients with queries may wish to read patient-facing information pages on the MyHealth website Weight Management – My Condition – MyHealth Devon
Patients wishing to feedback to NHS Devon regarding its current position may do so at d-icb.patientexperience@nhs.net and NHS Devon Aperture House Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane Exeter, Devon EX2 5AZ.
Cohorts for Mounjaro prescribing in General Practice
NHS England have defined the first 3 cohorts of patients who will be able to access Mounjaro via their GP on the NHS.
The cohorts have been decided nationally by NHS England, this is to prioritise treatment by clinical need.
The initial first 3 years will see approximately 220,000 individually nationally become eligible for treatment on the NHS.
At a practice level, we estimate that the number of our patients eligible for Mounjaro for weight management will be less than 50.
It is expected that after the first 3 years, the cohorts for eligiblity will expand again; however this is to be confirmed.
The interim commissioning policy from NHS England can be viewed here: Interim commissioning guidance NICE TA1026 – Mounjaro for the management of obesity
Cohort 1: 23rd June 2025
A BMI of 40 or higher, or 37.5 or higher if from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.
At least 4 of the following comorbidities:
- Hypertension and on treatment for blood pressure
- Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol) or on cholesterol treatment “statins”
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Cohort 2: June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)
A BMI of 35 or higher, or 32.5 or higher if from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.
At least 4 of the following comorbidities:
- Hypertension and on treatment for blood pressure
- Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol) or on cholesterol treatment “statins”
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Cohort 3: April 2027 (exact date to be confirmed)
A BMI of 40 or higher, or 37.5 or higher if from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.
At least 3 of the following comorbidities:
- Hypertension and on treatment for blood pressure
- Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol) or on cholesterol treatment “statins”
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
I think I meet the criteria for Cohort 1, what do I do?
If you feel that you meet the criteria in Cohort 1, the first step is to contact the practice to provide an up to date height and weight, so that we can calculate your BMI.
We will then check your other conditions (comorbidities) to confirm whether or not you meet the criteria.
If your BMI and comorbidities suggest you may be suitable for Mounjaro, we will then contact you to book an appointment with our Specialist Pharmacist.
Please note that you will also be weighed by the practice at this appointment.
You will also be required to engage in a weight management support programme which will be commissioned nationally by NHS England to support patients being prescribed Mounjaro. This is a condition of prescribing set by NHS England.
There are a number of local weight management services currently available for people living with obesity or overweight, and we are happy to discuss these and support you with your weight management goals.
Here is a link to the Services available in Devon: MyHealthDevon – Weight Management
Mounjaro for Type 2 Diabetes:
Alert!
Mounjaro is licensed to treat some patients with type 2 diabetes under NICE TA924.
It is not suitable for everyone with Type 2 diabetes, and there are oral medications that we would prescribe first, before even considering if Mounjaro is a suitable option.
More information on the use of Mounjaro for Type 2 Diabetes can be found on the Diabetes UK site
Important
If after reading the Diabetes UK article above, you think that you may be suitable for Mounjaro to treat your Type 2 Diabetes, please contact the health centre to book an appointment with our Diabetes Specialist.
More information on the use of Mounjaro for Type 2 Diabetes can be found on the Diabetes UK site
Page created: 24th June 2025
Page updated: 3rd July 2025