We have noticed a significant increase in the number of patients requesting that our GPs prescribe weight loss medications such as Mounjaro, Ozempic or Wegovy.
These medications are available on the NHS to some patients to support weight loss.
They are prescribed by specialist weight management services and require a referral to these services prior to any prescription.
Weight loss injections in Leeds are provided by Leeds Tier 3 Weight loss services.
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Current criteria for referrals are patients with: A BMI 50 or over. A BMI 40 or over, who have engaged with a recognised weight loss service (e.g. weight watchers or slimming world) for at least 12 weeks in the last 12 months (and have evidence of this). A BMI 35-40 plus 1 or more of the following conditions: Cardio vascular disease (angina, previous MI), Pre-diabetes, Type 1 or 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea (on CPAP), high blood pressure on medication, established depression/anxiety (for 6 months or more and/or on treatment), moderate to severe osteoarthritis, and polycystic ovaries. |
If you meet these criteria, then please submit a triage form with your weight and height, included to arrange a GP appointment. There are also specific blood tests that are required to make the referral, which we can arrange at the surgery to support your referral.
If you do not meet these criteria, we will be unable to refer to this service to support your weight loss. However, there are still other services that may help:
- The NHS digital weight management Programme: supports adults living with obesity (BMI >30) who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or both, to manage their weight and improve their health. It is a 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme that people can access via a smartphone or computer with internet access.NHS England » The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
- Alternatively Weight Management - Leeds Community Healthcare has more details of other useful links to support your weight loss journey.
Weight loss injections and contraception
For those patients who are buying weight loss injections there are potential issues if you are taking an oral contraceptive and oral HRT (progestogens and oestrogens) due to the way the medication works.
This could potentially make your contraceptive pill ineffective or in the case of HRT put you at an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Please contact the surgery and request an appointment with one of our pharmacist to discuss the implications for you an how to safely manage your menopause and contraceptive needs.
