GPs prescribing Mounjaro

NHS Kent and Medway Issues Updated Guidance on Accessing Weight Loss Injections

NHS Kent and Medway has released new guidance regarding the availability of two weight loss injections, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), following their approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the management of obesity and overweight-related health conditions.

Current Availability and Access

Wegovy and Mounjaro are not yet available through local NHS specialist weight management services in Kent and Medway. Work is ongoing with clinical specialists to establish appropriate referral pathways and supply chains. Until these are in place, referrals for these medications cannot be processed.

These medications will be provided only via specialist weight management services, to ensure patients also receive dietary, nutritional, and behavioral support.

GP practices are not currently authorised to prescribe Wegovy or Mounjaro.

Specialist services should not be contcted directly for access until official arrangements are in place.

New Update: Access to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Through Primary Care

NHS England is beginning a phased rollout of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) over the coming years. According to NICE guidelines, access to this medication must include enrollment in a diet and exercise support programme, such as the Behavioural Support for Obesity Prescribing.

Although it was announced that tirzepatide will be made available to a specific patient cohort in primary care settings starting Monday, 23 June, this does not yet apply in Kent and Medway.

The BSOP service required under NICE guidelines is not yet in place loacally, so prescribing through primary care is not currently possible.

Eligibility Criteria

Access to Wegovy and Mounjaro will be assessed based on criteria including:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Presence of weight-related health conditions
• Age
• Previous weight management attempts

Your healthcare professional will discuss the risks, benefits, and suitability of these treatments with you individually.

Caution Against Unregulated Sources

There have been reports of counterfeit weight loss pens sold online. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) strongly advises not to purchase pre-filled pens marketed asOzempic or Saxenda from unregulated sources, as these may be dangerous or ineffective.

Always obtain medications via registered pharmacies or NHS services.

Additional Support

Your GP can provide advice on healthy lifestyle changes and, if appropriate, refer you to a hospital consultant for further evaluation.

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is also available to adults living with obesity who have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, or both. Speak with your GP or pharmacist to see if this programme is suitable for you.

For the latest updates and more information, please visit the official NHS Kent and Medway website:

• Weight Management - Kent & Medway ICS

Published: Jun 23, 2025