Access to weight management medications
Important Information: Weight Management Medications Update
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, two medications for the management of overweight and obesity.
The NHS is now rolling out these medications for people who meet the eligibility criteria, starting with those at highest risk of ill health, or those already experiencing severe health complications due to obesity.
These individuals are being prioritised because the NHS does not currently have the services or resources to manage the high number of people who may potentially be eligible for weight management medication. This means that not everyone who meets the criteria will be able to access the medication immediately.
Who Will Be Prioritised (Phase One: Now until April 2026):
People with a BMI of 40 or above,
or BMI of 37.5 or above for individuals from the following ethnic backgrounds:
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South Asian
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Chinese
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Other Asian
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Middle Eastern
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Black African
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African-Caribbean
And who have been diagnosed with at least four of the following health conditions:
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Type 2 Diabetes
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High Blood Pressure
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Heart Disease
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
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Abnormal Blood Fats
If you do not meet all of the above criteria, please do not contact the surgery to request these new injections at this time.
We are following strict NHS guidance and are not permitted to prescribe these medications unless the criteria are fully met.
Other Support Available
In the meantime, we can offer social prescribing referrals to support weight management through community-based programmes, such as:
Please note: As of June 2025, there are currently no specialist weight management services commissioned in the Greater Manchester area.
Thank you for your understanding.
Published on 23 June 2025