Following the recent news regarding weight loss medication prescriptions, NHS Gloucestershire has provided the following information on eligibility and accessing weight loss services.
In Gloucestershire, we are following guidance from NHS England. NHS England has asked us to start prescribing to the people with most medical need and then prescribe to more people in a phased way, over several years.
We’re working as quickly as possible to set up new services to deliver this in Gloucestershire.
Please don’t contact your GP before we confirm the new service is available in your area, as they won’t be able to prescribe the medication to you at the moment.
Based on the current guidelines, we expect around 200 people in Gloucestershire, who are living with obesity, to be able to access the drug in the first year.
To qualify for tirzepatide currently, you must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater or equal to 40 (this will be adjusted to reflect cultural variations) plus four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
If you are interested in loosing weight and would like some support please visit Healthy Lifesyles, who offer a variety of weight management services, or book a routine GP appointment to discuss the options we are currently able to offer
