Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and GLP-1 RAs for Obesity Management
On 18 June 2025, Coventry and Warwickshire ICB wrote to all GP Practices to confirm the ICB’s position on Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) for the management of overweight and obesity.
The ICB are continuing to work on the commissioning of a new community primary care weight management service to ensure it has the right capacity, assessment protocols, and professional training in place. This service is expected to go live in September 2025, and until then GPs must not initiate GLP-1 RAs (including Tirzepatide) for the management of obesity. Initiation must be through the new commissioned weight management service, once it is live. The Specialist Weight Management Service, at UHCW, will not prescribe Tirzepatide as part of their service offer to patients.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I get Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) from my GP?
A: No. Tirzepatide is not available from GPs in Coventry and Warwickshire at this time.
Q: When will the new NHS weight loss service start?
A: The new service, which will be the only way to access Tirzepatide locally, is expected to launch in autumn 2025. Until then, the medication is not available through the NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Q: Why is it available in other areas but not here yet? That’s not fair.
A: We understand that this can feel frustrating. While the NHS has approved this medication nationally, each area is responsible for making sure the right services, staff training, and support systems are in place. In Coventry and Warwickshire, we are currently preparing a new service to make sure patients receive safe and appropriate care. It will be available locally later in 2025.
Q: I’ve read the eligibility criteria and think I qualify – can I be referred?
A: No. The local service is not yet live, so referrals cannot be made. More information will be shared with eligible patients once the service opens.
Q: Can I go on a waiting list now for when it becomes available?
A: There isn’t a waiting list yet because the service hasn’t started. However, once the new pathway is live, clear referral criteria will be shared with patients and practices.
Q: I’ve been prescribed this medication privately – can the GP take over the prescription?
A: No. The NHS cannot continue or take over private prescriptions for Tirzepatide or other weight loss medications.
Q: I’m desperate and struggling with my weight. Why can’t the NHS help me now?
A: We know this is a sensitive issue and many people feel this way. The NHS does offer weight management services locally, and we can help you access support that focuses on lifestyle and behavioural change. The medication may become available later in the year through a structured pathway for eligible patients, but we want to make sure everyone gets the right support for the long term.
Q: What if I bring this up during my appointment?
A: GPs will always listen to your concerns, but please be aware that they cannot prescribe Tirzepatide for weight loss or refer patients to the new service yet. Any enquiries about this will follow the same guidance.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Patients can visit the local ICB website for more information.
Key Messages:
| Theme | Key Message |
| Local Availability | Tirzepatide is not currently available for managing obesity in Coventry and Warwickshire. |
| Specialist Service Only | Once available, this medicine will only be prescribed via the new primary care weight management service, expected to go live in autumn 2025. |
| GP Prescribing | GPs must not initiate prescribing of GLP1-RAs for obesity. This includes Tirzepatide. |
| Private Prescribing | GPs should not take over or continue prescribing from private providers, even if patients meet the eligibility criteria. |
| Eligibility | Once the new service is live, Tirzepatide will only be offered to prioritised patient cohorts meeting an eligibility criteria, with the greatest clinical need:
• high blood pressure (hypertension) • heart disease (cardiovascular disease) • obstructive sleep apnoea • abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia) |
| Clinical Use in T2D | Tirzepatide may continue to be prescribed in primary care only for patients with type 2 diabetes in line with existing guidance. |
