FOI 2026/1648

We are a group of Plastic Surgery trainees conducting research into NHS funding criteria for Weight‑loss drugs (GLP‑1 / dual agonists). I would be grateful if you could provide responses to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

For each of the questions below please provide any relevant policies and information, including how long the policy has been in place and/or if a policy is being planned, considered, or is potentially changing in the future:

1. Do you either routinely fund, or provide criteria‑based access to funding for, weight‑loss medications such as GLP‑1 receptor agonists or dual GIP/GLP‑1 agonists (for example semaglutide, tirzepatide) when used specifically for weight management/obesity?
2. If you do provide criteria‑based access, please provide details of the criteria (for example BMI thresholds, presence of weight‑related comorbidities, requirement for participation in a structured weight‑management programme), or tell me where this information can be found.
3. If you provide either criteria‑based access or routine funding, is this only for patients with obesity and comorbidities, or is access provided more widely (for example overweight with high‑risk features)?
4. If you provide criteria‑based funding, is any form of prior approval or Individual Funding Request (IFR) required before initiating treatment?
5. How long has the current policy on pharmacological weight‑loss treatment been in place, and are there any planned or pending changes to this policy (for example in response to new national guidance on specific drugs such as tirzepatide)?

1. NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) has a commissioning position which sets out the eligibility criteria for access to pharmacological treatments used for weight management, including tirzepatide. This also covers GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, such as semaglutide and liraglutide.

Please refer to the published document:
“Tirzepatide for weight management in adults – interim commissioning statement”

https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Tirzepatide-for-weight-management-in-adults-commissioning-statement-for-GM-V1.2-for-GMMMG-website.pdf

2. The eligibility criteria are set out in the published commissioning statement referred to above. This includes the criteria for access to tirzepatide for weight management and also applies to GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, such as semaglutide and liraglutide.

Please refer to:
“Tirzepatide for weight management in adults – interim commissioning statement”

https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Tirzepatide-for-weight-management-in-adults-commissioning-statement-for-GM-V1.2-for-GMMMG-website.pdf

3. The relevant eligibility criteria and commissioning arrangements are set out in the commissioning statement referred to above.

There are no other commissioning arrangements in place outside of this statement for access to tirzepatide, semaglutide or liraglutide for weight management in NHS GM.

4. Yes. NHS GM uses the Blueteq prior approval system to support verification that only patients who meet the relevant eligibility criteria are initiated on treatment.

This applies in both:

• primary care commissioned services, and
• specialist weight management services.

An Individual Funding Request (IFR) is reserved for truly exceptional clinical circumstances and is not intended for patients who fall within defined commissioning cohorts.

5. The interim commissioning statement (“Tirzepatide for weight management in adults – interim commissioning statement”) has been in place since publication of version 1.2 in September 2025.

The national policy landscape in this area is evolving, particularly in relation to commissioning arrangements and funding for weight management medicines. NHS England is continuing to develop its approach, and NHS GM will ensure that its local commissioning arrangements reflect any relevant national updates.

NHS GM is also aware of the planned introduction of new Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicators relating to weight management, which may impact current arrangements. However, the detailed national guidance required to inform local decision-making is still awaited.