Weight loss medications
17.02.2025
Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the management of obesity. However, in Wales the All-Wales Weight Management Pathway sets out that weight management medication will only be prescribed within a specialist service, where clinically indicated, and only in combination with a behavioural (lifestyle) intervention that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
As a result, GP practices in Wales cannot prescribe these medications to manage obesity and they are not available through the general ‘Help with my Weight’ (Level 2) service in the health board.
Due to the limited capacity of the specialist multidisciplinary weight management service (level 3) in the health board, only patients with Body Mass Index* (BMI) over 45kg/m2 can be considered for referral on after completing the KindEating programme. Medications can only be prescribed under the specialist service in very limited circumstances for those with the most serious clinical need. This might be different to what you have read or seen elsewhere. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is not currently available for the treatment of obesity in the health board.
We know that many people feel disappointed that they are not currently able to access these medications via NHS prescription. The Mental Health Hub provides information on sources of support for mental wellbeing if needed.
The ‘Help with my Weight’ service can offer other support for people in North Wales seeking help to manage their weight including access to digital support via the Second Nature App or support through the KindEating programme facilitated by Registered Dietitians. Please check the information on eligibility for this support by following the links. Many people can self-refer to the ‘Help with my Weight’ service when they are ready. Those with BMI over 45kg/m2 should discuss referral with their GP.
The health board is planning to review weight management services.
Warning: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning to the public not to buy weight-loss medicines from beauty salons or via social media without a qualified healthcare professional’s prescription. The public should also beware of unsafe fake weight loss pens for sale through non-registered online sources. Offering weight loss medications without a healthcare prescription is illegal and a serious risk to health.