There will be a phased approach to service rollout within primary care settings (for example, GP practices), and initially tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will only be available on the NHS to those with the highest clinical need. At first, people living with obesity who have been diagnosed with 4 of the weight-related health problems listed above and a BMI of 40 or more (adjusted for ethnicity) will be eligible to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through primary care settings. People who receive tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for the management of obesity through primary care will also have access to wraparound care, which provides dietary and physical activity advice.
This approach will ensure the service is delivered safely and that the NHS in England is able to plan for an increase in numbers of people eligible for assessment for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), whilst building skills and knowledge within the healthcare workforce. NICE will complete a review at 3 years of the initial implementation period, to determine how access will be managed and who it will be available for.