In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and across the NHS there is different help available depending on the level of support you require to help you in your weight loss journey.
​
There is support available online including the free NHS Weight Loss Plan which can help you to start losing weight. ​
We know there are many factors that affect weight and weight loss, and if you need more help and support, speak to your GP who can help refer you to the right programme.
If after a programme of support you and your GP decide you need to access the next level of help to lose weight, you may be eligible for a higher level of support if you have a BMI of 35 or over with obesity-related complications. Your GP surgery will be able to advise you on the next steps available to you.
​
There are multiple tiers of help for your weight loss journey depending on the level of support you require and any underlying conditions that may be making it harder to lose weight. Weight loss injections could be one possible part of this support that will become available on the NHS if it suits your individual needs.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®): A new treatment option for managing obesity
​
From 23 June 2025, people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings. This does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately. It means primary care settings can begin discussions with patients about whether Tirzepatide is the right option to improve their health through weight loss.
​
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight around 1,000 people currently qualify for the medication based on national eligibility criteria – however it will not be available locally until later this year (Autumn) – so please don’t contact your GP just yet as they’re unable to help currently. We will update this webpage when we have more information.
​
Access is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need, it's for people living with obesity, in poor health with multiple obesity related conditions; as they would benefit most from the treatment.
​
Who is eligible?
​
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised.
Full qualifying criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or greater and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
-
type 2 diabetes
-
high blood pressure
-
heart disease
-
obstructive sleep apnoea (sleep clinic confirmation via sleep study)
-
abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
How does Tirzepatide work for weight loss?
Tirzepatide works by supressing appetite centres in the brain that control gut hormones. It decreases the appetite and slows the movement of food passing through the body, making you feel fuller for longer.
​
Clinical trials have shown Tirzepatide can help people living with obesity lose up 20% of their starting body weight, depending on the dose and accompanying diet and lifestyle support.
​
Tirzepatide can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional alongside programmes which support people to lose weight and live healthier lives by making changes to their diet and physical activity.
​
Tirzepatide comes as an injection, which can be self-administered once a week.
Wraparound care, what does this mean?
Any patient prescribed Tirzepatide must participate in the specifically designed ‘wraparound’ care required by NICE guidance (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
This focuses on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity. As NHS England develops the service, it will provide more details of the wraparound support offer for patients who qualify. We will update this webpage when we have more information.
​
Patients cannot be prescribed Tirzepatide if they do not wish to undertake the wraparound care support.
​
Will everyone who is eligible have access to the drug?
​
Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. A healthcare professional will discuss the most appropriate care and support, based on individual patient’s need. This could include behavioural support programmes, medical options including prescribing or bariatric surgery.
​
Will there be a cost to the patient for being prescribed Tirzepatide ?
​
Normal prescription charges will apply unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions (for example, because you have a medical exemption certificate).
​
​
Information source: NHS weight loss support :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight
​
​