We have recently seen a big increase in enquires regarding injectable weight loss medication. The following provides information about these drugs, which we will update as the situation changes.
What are the injectable medications for weight loss?
Liraglutide (Saxenda®), semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) are medications to help people living with obesity to lose weight, alongside a healthy diet and physical activity. Liraglutide is given as a daily injection, whilst semaglutide and tirzepatide are weekly injections. Liraglutide and semaglutide are used for up to 2 years. Tirzepatide may be used for longer. However, it is common to re-gain weight quickly after stopping these medications.
Can my GP prescribe them?
No, not currently.
National guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes recommendations on eligible groups, and does not recommend GPs prescribe liraglutide (Saxenda®) or semaglutide (Wegovy®) for obesity. These medicines are only to be used within specialist weight management services, alongside a programme of diet and nutrition support and increased physical activity. This support is an essential part of being prescribed these injections.
Tirzepatide is the most recent medication to be recommended by NICE (December 2024) for some eligible groups for managing obesity. NICE and NHS England have announced it will take 12 years to fully implement the guidance recommendations. This means it will not be available to everyone meeting the criteria in the NICE guidance straight away.
Initially Tirzepatide will be available in specialist weight management services, however Cornwall Weight Management Service is not currently accepting referrals for this treatment. We are hopeful this will change very soon, and we will update this information as soon as we have any updates.
Eventually we expect the drugs to start being available outside of specialist services, but this is not yet available locally.
What if I am receiving treatment for diabetes?
Patients who are eligible for liraglutide, semaglutide (Ozempic®/ Rybelsus®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) to manage their Type 2 diabetes can be started on treatment and can continue to take their medication in line with local guidance.
Can I get these drugs privately?
Yes. Many pharmacies (including local pharmacies) and online companies offer the service for a cost.
We do not recommend any particular company, and you do not need a referral from your GP to access these services.
Can my GP prescribe tirzepatide, semaglutide or liraglutide for weight loss that has been started privately?
No, your GP cannot prescribe tirzepatide, semaglutide or liraglutide for weight loss that may have been started privately.
Where weight loss injections have been started privately, the prescriber is responsible for your healthcare.
It is important that you seek initial guidance from the service that you have selected to provide the injection, and should you become unwell or require further information or support after commencing weight loss injections it is important that you seek advice from the prescriber.
Can I obtain an NHS referral under “Right to Choose”?
We are aware that online companies eg Oviva offer these medications on a right to choose basis( ie the service is funded by the NHS).
We are able to complete these referrals, however please note it is essential that all criteria are met before we complete this ,including confirmation of completion of a Tier 2 weight management programme.
Please see the following link for further information. If you fulfil these criteria and would like to be referred, please contact the practice via the triage form providing the necessary information.
Oviva Tier 3 Weight Management Eligibility Criteria
Based on NICE guidance