GP surgery in Cornwall clarifies 'strict criteria' for Mounjaro prescriptions
From Monday, GPs across England were given the green light to prescribe the drug for the first time.
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is an antidiabetic drug that lowers blood sugar and slows down how quickly food is digested. (Image: Supplied) The rollout aims to reach around 220,000 people with the "greatest need" over the next three years.
Helston Medical Centre and Porthleven Surgery are among the many practices now managing patient expectations.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the surgery clarified the strict NHS eligibility criteria, stating: 'We are receiving an increased number of enquiries regarding the weight loss injection Mounjaro.
Helston Medical Centre is one of the many practices now managing patient expectations (Image: Google Maps) Please note that there is a strict eligibility criterion for availability via the NHS.'
To be eligible for a prescription, patients must meet all of the following conditions:
Have a BMI over 40kg/m² (or >37.5kg/m² for certain ethnic groups)
Be aged 18 or over
Suffer from at least four of the following co-morbidities:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High Cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Cardiovascular disease
Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is an antidiabetic drug that lowers blood sugar and slows down how quickly food is digested.
This helps patients feel fuller for longer, reducing their appetite. Recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), it is administered as a once-weekly self-injection.
Previously, patients could only access such drugs through specialist weight loss services or private prescriptions, with estimates suggesting around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking similar medications.
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However, the move to primary care is not without challenges. Leading family doctors have highlighted concerns about the additional workload for already stretched GP services, while pharmacy experts have warned of potential pressure on drug supplies.
Speaking on the rollout, Dr Claire Fuller, Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said: 'This is an important next step in the rollout of weight loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today.
'We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health, and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people.
'While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it's important that anyone worried about their weight's impact on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional.'
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