Specialist weight management in Greater Manchester
Tirzepatide is not currently available from primary care (GP practices or Pharmacies) or specialist weight management services in Greater Manchester. Please check this webpage for further updates over the coming months.
New NHS Guidance on Weight Loss Medication
In December 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved a new weight management medication called tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). It is recommended for adults living with obesity and certain weight-related health conditions and should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Like other weight management medications such as Wegovy® and Saxenda®, tirzepatide has been approved for use within specialist weight management services. However, it is being introduced in a phased rollout across England, starting with specialist services and expanding to primary care from June 2025, depending on clinical need and service readiness.
For full details, see NICE Guideline NG246 and Technology Appraisal TA1026. Please note that NHS England has issued interim commissioning guidance for tirzepatide, which differs from the NICE eligibility criteria.
Tirzepatide is not currently available from primary care (GP practices or Pharmacies) or specialist weight management services in Greater Manchester. Please check this webpage for further updates over the coming months.
What’s Changing?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a new treatment that could benefit many people, but it will also have a big impact on NHS services. Because of this, NICE is introducing the medication gradually across the country, with support from NHS England.
Over the next three years, up to 220,000 people across England will be prioritised for access based on those with the greatest clinical need. This phased approach will help the NHS to:
- Make sure staff are trained and ready
- Avoid putting too much pressure on local services
- Learn how to offer this treatment safely and effectively in the long term
Important Update for Greater Manchester
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) can not yet be prescribed in specialist weight management services in Greater Manchester.
Before prescribing begins, NHS Greater Manchester needs to assess how this new medication will impact local services and ensure staff are fully prepared. Work is underway, and updates will be shared as soon as possible.
Access in specialist services will follow the national phased rollout and funding arrangements set by NHS England.
Who Will Be Prioritised?
Specialist Weight Management Services (Years 1–3)
Year Eligibility Criteria *
Year 1 BMI ≥ 40 and 4 or more health conditions
Year 2 BMI 35–39.9 and 4 or more health conditions
Year 3 BMI ≥ 40 and 3 or more health conditions
Primary Care
We (NHS Greater Manchester) are working with clinicians on developing a phased rollout plan for the prescribing of tirzepatide in primary care settings for patients with the highest clinical need.
Cohort Eligibility Criteria *
Year 1 BMI ≥ 40 and 4 or more health conditions
Year 2 BMI 35–39.9 and 4 or more health conditions
Year 3 BMI ≥ 40 and 3 or more health conditions
Note on ethnicity: For people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, BMI thresholds are 2.5 kg/m² lower, due to increased health risks at lower BMI levels.
* Eligible health conditions
To qualify, patients must have four or more of the following health conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions caused by narrowed or blocked arteries (known as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
What Happens Next?
NICE will review the rollout and eligibility criteria after the first 3 years. This will help determine who else may be able to access tirzepatide in the future.
We’re committed to keeping you informed as new guidance and resources become available.
Support While You Wait
While new services are being developed, you can still take steps to manage your health:
- NHS Better Health – Tools and resources to support healthy eating, physical activity, and weight loss.
- NHS Digital Weight Management Programme – Online support for people living with obesity who also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. Your GP can refer you to this service for personalised support.
If you have any questions about your weight management options, please speak to your GP or healthcare team.
