Mounjaro now available on NHS prescription in Merseyside - here's who qualifies

Cheshire and Merseyside NHS has approved its policy regarding the prescription of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

GP practices will identify their patients who are eligible, based on criteria set by the NHS, to receive the medication and contact them directly.

Who is eligible?

The drug is being made available on a phased basis, with the first group of people eligible under the national criteria being people who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more (or 37.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds)

• Have at least four of the following long-term conditions:

1. Type 2 diabetes

2. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

3. Dyslipidaemia

4. Established cardiovascular disease

5. Obstructive sleep apnoea

Can I access Tirzepatide straight away for obesity through the NHS?

“This is unlikely,” reads a response from the NHS. “ We are following a nationally developed staged approach that will be used to help cope with the huge demand this will place on existing healthcare services. This allows the prescribing of Trzepatide and the appropriate support for patients to be set up in a safe way.

“This staged approach is also being followed in Cheshire and Merseyside, with Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across Cheshire and Merseyside starting the process of rolling out community weight loss prescribing services.

“Once available, Tirzepatide will initially be offered to individuals facing the most significant health risks related to their weight.”

Long Lane Medical Centre

In a statement on their website, Long Lane Medical Centre in Liverpool wrote: “It has been reported in the media that the Mounjaro Weight Loss medication/ injection is now available from your GP practice.

“Currently GPs are unable to prescribe Mounjaro themselves in Cheshire & Merseyside (C&M), but should be able to refer eligible patients to a community setting once these have been set up by the C&M Integrated Care Board (ICB).

“Please note that these are only currently to be made available to a very limited number of patients who meet strict criteria.

Who is eligible for access to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight loss?

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published recommendations for tirzepatide but recognised the need for a gradual approach to prioritise treatment for patients. So, NHS England developed qualifying criteria and patient groups who should be able to access tirzepatide first.

To be able to access the drug in the first 3 years, patients must meet the criteria we have outlined below.

Are you eligible for Tirzepatide through the NHS to support weight loss?

• Cohort 1 - will start from 23 June 2025 with services opening in Cheshire and Merseyside during this summer. At least 4 of the 5 health conditions listed below plus a BMI of at least 40*.
• Cohort 2 – will start from 23 June 2026. In addition to the patients in Cohort 1, access to the drug will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria for year 2. At least 4 of the 5 health conditions listed below plus a BMI of 35 to 39.9*.
• Cohort 3 – will start from 1st April 2027. In addition to patients in Cohorts 1 and 2, access to the drug will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria for year 3. At least 3 of the 5 health conditions plus a BMI of at least 40*.

Eligible conditions in cohorts 1-3 (see above).

• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• heart disease (cardiovascular disease)
• obstructive sleep apnoea
• abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication called tirzepatide that helps with weight loss and the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking natural gut hormones that reduce appetite, slow digestion, and control blood sugar levels, helping users feel fuller longer and eat less. It is approved for use alongside diet and exercise for people with obesity or weight-related health problems.

“I lost 11 stone using Mounjaro”

A North West mum has spoken of how she lost 11 stone on the weight-loss jabs. Rebecca Banks, 25, from Clitheroe weighed 26st 6lbs, and wore a size 28 before starting Mounjaro, and said she had already tried Saxenda jabs, Weight Watchers and fasting, but nothing seemed to work.

Starting in April 2024, she lost 4st herself through improving her diet, and upping her daily step count to 10,000. Four months later, Rebecca started on weekly Mounjaro jabs, which she pays £199 a month for privately, and has gone on to lose a further 7st in nine months.

Despite minor stomach ache on occasion, Rebecca says she has suffered no other side effects. She now weighs 15st exactly, wears a size 16 and says her mental health has improved.

She said having her son Lorenzo was her main motivation. She said: “As soon as I had him, I wanted to be around for him and not get any obesity-related issues. I tried lots of other things before and they all didn't work. Basic activities like walking were a struggle. It affected me mentally massively - I was unhappy with my body image.

"I started eating more meat and vegetables rather than takeaways, fast food, and processed foods. I massively reduced my carbs and sugar intake because I've got PCOS as well and carbs and sugar can affect you more.

“After that, I felt I was struggling to shift more. Mounjaro has really benefitted me - it's shrunk my appetite and reduced something called food noise.

"I had no side effects, and straight away, I was mentally ready, and I was on it - it does take some time to get used to eating the smaller portions.

"Some people may see it as cheating but I say it's a tool to help me on the journey - it's helped me change my relationship with food. My mental relationship with food has changed because of it. Now my mental health has improved a lot, and I'm sleeping much better."

“I'm hoping not to take it forever. I don't want to be. I'm hoping when I get to my goal weight of 13st then I'll slowly wean myself off and stick to a healthy lifestyle."