There have recently been many articles in the media and online about the newer medications that can assist with weight loss. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published draft guidelines in June 2024 suggesting that the medication Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) could possibly be considered for people with obesity who met certain criteria. The final guidelines are likely to be completed later this year.
John Tasker House and Felsted surgeries come under the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), who are responsible for making decisions about which medications can be prescribed in this area. The ICB have informed us:
"Locally, the use of tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss has not yet been reviewed by our Area Prescribing Committee (APC) and therefore assumes a ‘non-formulary’ status (i.e. not recommended for prescribing in primary or secondary care for the above indication)."
There is more information from the ICB on their website: Weight loss injections - Herts and West Essex ICS
If you are experiencing side effects from your medication, please go back to the professionals who prescribed your medication as we are not able to advise you.
In the meantime, there is information and free support available to help with weight loss in Essex through
https://essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/support/weight-management/
This can include online or 1-2-1 video support, low carb groups, discounts for the Joe Wicks workout apps, child lifestyle, healthy eating, portion management and keeping active.
However, if you feel you have a significant amount of weight to lose, you may be eligible for a different programme called MoreLife - here is a link to their eligibility criteria.
https://www.more-life.co.uk/eligibility/south-and-west-essex/
This is a very supportive structured weight-loss programme for those people with a higher BMI and/ or certain other medical conditions. Currently a small number of people who complete this then become eligible for consideration for bariatric surgery through the NHS. MoreLife is only accessed by referral from a GP, so if you are interested in this programme, please let us know (preferably by using the online form on our website, or calling reception if you do not go online)
Other weight loss medications that have been in the news include Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Dulaglutide (Trulicity). In West Essex we are currently unable to prescribe these purely for weight loss. Some areas of the country offer obesity clinics at local hospitals where a consultant can prescribe these medications, however there are currently no obesity clinics available at our local hospitals. We have been advised that this may change in 2025.
If you have Type 2 Diabetes then some of the medications above such as Trulicity might be an option for you - please request an appointment with a GP to discuss this further. Currently NICE advises against these medications if you have Type 1 Diabetes.
If your Type 2 Diabetes was diagnosed within the last 6 years you might also be eligible for referral to a free dietician supported remission programme, which aims to help you both lose weight and significantly improve your Diabetic control, or even put your Diabetes into remission. Please ask for an appointment with a GP to discuss this if you are interested.
Please note that Tirzepatide cannot be prescribed by a GP even if you do have Diabetes. We are also unable to continue prescribing the above medicines for you if they were started by a private obesity clinic.
In summary, GPs at this surgery cannot currently prescribe these medications purely for weight loss. This may change next year. Please look at the 2 links above if you are interested in learning about support currently available in West Essex.