GLP-1 Medicine for Weight Loss

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Update on GLP-1 Medicines for Weight Loss

We鈥檙e pleased to share that NHS England has now announced national commissioning of GLP-1 medications (such as Wegovy) to support weight management. This marks a positive step forward in helping some patients manage their weight and improve their overall health.

However, we want to let you know that local commissioning arrangements are not yet in place. Our Integrated Care Board (ICB) has advised us not to prescribe these medicines until local pathways are formally agreed.

In the meantime, you can read more about the upcoming service in the ICB FAQs聽here聽and the attached patient communication.

Who Will Be Eligible in Year One?

In this first phase, access to GLP-1 medicines will be limited to a small, high-risk group of patients who meet the strict national criteria set by NHS England.

To be eligible, patients must have:

馃敼 A BMI over 40

and

馃敼 Four or more of the following weight-related health conditions:

路         Type 2 diabetes mellitus

路         Hypertension (high blood pressure)

路         Dyslipidaemia (abnormal cholesterol or lipid levels)

路         Obstructive sleep apnoea

路         Cardiovascular disease

We understand that this means many patients will sadly not be eligible in the first year, even once prescribing is locally approved.

What We鈥檙e Doing

  • We are already identifying patients who may meet the national criteria, so we鈥檙e ready when local prescribing is allowed.
  • If you are eligible, we will contact you directly鈥攖here is no need to phone the practice.
  • If you are not eligible, we will continue to support you in other ways.

Support While You Wait

Whether or not you meet the Year One criteria, lifestyle changes remain key to long-term weight management. These medications work best when combined with healthy eating, physical activity, and behavioural support.

We can offer you an appointment with one of our聽Health & Wellbeing Coaches, who can help you build sustainable habits and explore lifestyle changes that support your goals. You can also access information from the聽Health & Wellbeing Launchpad,聽here.

馃摓 Please speak to our reception team if you would like to book a Health & Wellbeing Coach appointment.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we wait for the local service to be launched. We鈥檙e committed to supporting your health and will keep you updated