NHS Weight Loss Injections & GLP-1 Tablets – Latest Update
NEW: GLP-1 Weight Loss Tablets
You may have seen recent news about new GLP-1 weight loss medicines that are taken as tablets rather than injections.
New oral GLP-1 medicines have now been authorised in the UK for weight management. These include:
- Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets
- Foundayo (orforglipron) tablets
Although these medicines have been approved for use in the UK, this does not mean that they are currently available for us to prescribe for weight loss on the NHS.
Can Fairhill Medical Practice prescribe these tablets?
No. We are not currently able to prescribe these new GLP-1 weight loss tablets on the NHS.
A medicine being licensed for use in the UK is different from it being commissioned and made available for prescribing through NHS general practice.
Please do not submit a medical triage request asking us to prescribe GLP-1 weight loss tablets, as we are unable to prescribe these for weight management on the NHS at this time.
If NHS guidance or local commissioning arrangements change, we will update this page.
NHS Weight Loss Injections
South West London ICB has provided guidance regarding eligibility for NHS weight loss injections.
Letter for patients who are not currently eligible
Are you eligible?
We have already contacted all patients who are currently eligible for treatment through Fairhill Medical Practice under the current NHS criteria.
If you have not been contacted by us, unfortunately you are not currently eligible.
Please do not submit a medical triage request asking whether you are eligible or requesting weight loss injections. Eligibility is determined by the current NHS criteria and not by individual GP practices.
If the NHS eligibility criteria change, we will review this and update our patients accordingly.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
The NHS has introduced Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management for a limited group of patients who meet specific clinical eligibility criteria.
Other injectable medicines used for weight management include:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
There has understandably been significant interest in these treatments and we continue to receive a large number of enquiries.
Fairhill Medical Practice is already prescribing Mounjaro to patients who meet the current NHS criteria and who have been identified and contacted by us.
If you have not been contacted, unfortunately you are not currently eligible for NHS Mounjaro prescribing through the practice.
The NHS rollout is being introduced gradually, with treatment prioritised for patients with the highest clinical need. This means that many people living with obesity will not currently meet the NHS criteria for treatment.
What Support Can We Offer Right Now?
Even if you are not eligible for NHS weight loss medication, we can still support you with managing your weight and improving your health.
Diet and Lifestyle Support
You can book directly with our in-house:
- Dietitian – Alice
- Lifestyle Coach – Stephanie
They can provide support and advice around diet, nutrition, physical activity and sustainable lifestyle changes.
You do not need to see a GP or submit a medical triage request before booking with these clinicians.
Please contact reception directly and our team can arrange an appointment for you.
NHS Health Checks
We also offer NHS Health Checks to eligible patients.
These include assessment and advice around weight, lifestyle and your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.
Please contact reception if you would like to check your eligibility or book an NHS Health Check.
Please Check This Page for Updates
NHS access to weight loss medication is changing over time and is subject to national NHS guidance and local commissioning arrangements.
We will keep this page updated when there are changes to:
- NHS eligibility criteria
- Weight loss injections available through the practice
- GLP-1 weight loss tablets
- Other weight management services available to our patients
Please check this page for the latest information before contacting the practice about weight loss medication.
