Weight Loss Injections
(GLP-1s)
Weight Loss injections are only available for prescribing via the NHS for those who meet specific clinical criteria. Currently, NHS access initially focuses on people with a BMI of 35 or above (with lower thresholds for some ethnic groups*) who have four or more weight-related health conditions (detailed below).
Please do not contact your GP unless you are eligible.
New national guidance was published at the end of March 2025, which outlines a phased rollout for weight management medicines within the NHS. The rollout will start with patients who have the greatest clinical need and may take 12 years before full implementation is achieved.
The new guidance will allow access to weight management medicines in Specialist Weight Management Services and Primary Care. This is a significant change to previous guidance. NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire are currently working towards development of a local implementation plan in line with national recommendations to improve access to weight management treatments for patients. Currently, GP practices are only able to prescribe weight management medication to a very small number of patients (until a further roll-out plan is agreed).
This is the formal statement from NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) regarding local prescribing of this medication:
Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB understand that there are many people who would like to use this medication as soon as possible, but we are required to follow the national plan, which includes a gradual roll out to patients. We ask for your patience as we continue to work with local GP practices on the best way to ensure we have appropriate access for patients who are eligible.
Please do not contact your GP practice to ask for tirzepatide for weight loss at this time. GP practices are very busy and handling extra enquiries will take up time that could be used for patient appointments. Eligible patients will be contacted directly by their GP practice when access to the medication becomes available.
We also know that some online providers, like Oviva, offer services through the NHS Right to Choose model. Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB commission a combined Tier 3 and Tier 4 weight management service and does not commission a separate stand-alone Tier 3 service. Therefore, patient choice pathways for specialist weight management must meet the commissioning requirements for the combined Tier 3 and Tier 4 service, and not all Right to Choose providers meet these required standards.
For more information about local services and eligibility for NHS funded Weight Management support visit the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System
* Due to a greater risk of heath conditions at lower BMI thresholds in these groups, BMI will be adjusted by 2.5 kg/m2 in people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds. This helps make sure these groups get fair access to treatment.
NHS Funded –Initial 3-year Introduction Phase (2025 – 2028) – Patients with serious health conditions may be able to get Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1s) on the NHS
To get Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1s) prescribed via the NHS, you must:
Have an initial body mass index (BMI) of at least 35kg/m2 and
Have at least four of the following health problems:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Abnormal blood fat levels (dyslipidaemia)
Obstructive sleep apnoea (trouble breathing while sleeping)
Heart disease
To calculate your BMI click here
It is important to understand that only patients who meet the above criteria may be considered for tirzepatide on the NHS for weight loss, and that meeting the criteria does not guarantee they will receive it.
Patients who are suitable for the treatment will also need to commit to a 9-month behaviour change support programme (wrap around care). This is important for keeping the weight off in the long term. If someone can’t fully take part in the support programme, the weight loss medication will need to be stopped.
Eligible patients can contact their GP Practice to discuss eligibility criteria and next steps for referrals. Patients will be encouraged to access local NHS-supported healthy living initiatives, such as Healthy Worcestershire and activity/exercise groups, as part of their overall weight loss journey.
More details on NICE’s decision to approve this treatment for NHS use can be found here
Private Prescribing - Non-eligible patients
Over time, the eligibility criteria may change, and updates will be provided by NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB). Patients who do not meet the above criteria are kindly asked to refrain from contacting their GP practice with requests for Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1). Weight loss treatment is available privately. More information can be gained from your local pharmacy or reviewing the private healthcare providers. There are a lot of private providers available, we advise you do your research before deciding on a trusted private provider. These are some local and national providers:
We will make more information about access to Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1s) available over the coming months so please do check back for updates.
More information for healthy lifestyle changes can be found on our Health Check page (click here) and Weight Management (click here)
Please note: Well by Vertis are part of Vertis Health, the Worcestershire GP federation of which our PCN and practices are members. We are, however, keen to ensure patients choose the provider that best suits their needs—and so encourage patients to select their provider from the range of options provided.
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Throughout this website are links to other websites which are not under the control of Droitwich, Ombersley & The Rurals Primary Care Network. We have no control over the nature, content and accuracy of these sites.