The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated its guidance on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications — including Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — for weight management in adults.
We know this is a topic many of our patients are following closely, so here's what it means in practice.
What the guidance says
NICE recommends that GLP-1 medications should be made available to eligible patients through specialist weight management services rather than via routine GP prescribing. The guidance sets out specific eligibility thresholds around BMI and associated health conditions.
The update also recommends that access be prioritised for patients with the greatest clinical need — for example, those with significant obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
What this means for Abbamoor patients
For our patients, the pathway remains the same. We refer eligible patients to Oviva — an NHS-approved weight management service — via our Clinical Pharmacists.
To qualify, you need:
- A BMI of 30 or above
- At least one qualifying health condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or heart disease)
If you have type 2 diabetes, your GP may be able to discuss a different route.
There are also direct referrals to NHS specialist weight management clinics (Tier 3 and Tier 4). This route is primarily for patients with Type 2 Diabetes or more complex clinical needs.
Stricter rules apply for this pathway. Access to these NHS clinics is heavily prioritised, and the thresholds for acceptance are much stricter than the Oviva programme, usually requiring significant, obesity-related health conditions.
What hasn't changed
GPs in England are still not able to prescribe GLP-1 weight loss medications directly. The route remains through specialist services like Oviva for non-diabetic patients.
What to do next
If you'd like to find out whether you qualify for a referral, book in with one of our Clinical Pharmacists.
This article reflects our understanding of NHS and NICE guidance as of the date of publication. Guidance can change — speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice specific to your situation.