In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and across the NHS there is different help available depending on the level of support you require to help you in your weight loss journey.
There is support available online including the free NHS Weight Loss Plan which can help you to start losing weight.
We know there are many factors that affect weight and weight loss, and if you need more help and support, NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight works with our local authorities and public health teams to deliver programmes of support. Speak to your GP who can help refer you to the right programme.
If after a programme of support you and your GP decide you need to access the next level of help to lose weight, you may be eligible for a higher level of support if you have a BMI of 35 or over with obesity-related complications. Your GP surgery will be able to advise you on the next steps available to you.
There are multiple tiers of help for your weight loss journey depending on the level of support you require and any underlying conditions that may be making it harder to lose weight. Weight loss injections could be one possible part of this support that will become available on the NHS if it suits your individual needs.
Tirzepatide: A new treatment option for managing obesity
Currently across NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, which includes Portsmouth and Southampton, neither semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) injections are available for managing weight loss and obesity.
From 23 June, people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings. This does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately. It means primary care settings can begin discussions with patients about whether tirzepatide is the right option to improve their health through weight loss.
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight around 1,000 people currently qualify for the medication based on national eligibility criteria – we are working to set up services quickly however this it will not be available locally until later this year (Autumn) – so please don’t contact your GP just yet as they’re unable to help currently. We will update this webpage when we have more information.
Access is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need, it's for people living with obesity, in poor health with multiple obesity related conditions; as they would benefit most from the treatment.
Who is eligible?
Full qualifying criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or greater and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Dyslipidaemia
Roll out in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
We’re working as quickly as possible to make this service available in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In the meantime, we’ll continue to provide our current support offer for people eligible for help with weight management.
We’ll update this page and share information with local partners as soon as the new service is active.
Further information can be found in the FAQs below:
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised.
From 23 June 2025, people who meet the qualifying criteria (a BMI of at least 40 and four of the five stated weight related comorbidities), will be able to gain access to the drug via primary care, if both patient and clinician agree it is the most appropriate treatment option.
Full qualifying criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 plus and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight around 1,000 people currently qualify for the medication based on national eligibility criteria – but it won’t be available locally until later this year (Autumn) – so please don’t contact your GP just yet as they’re unable to help currently.
Tirzepatide works by supressing appetite centres in the brain that control gut hormones. It decreases the appetite and slows the movement of food passing through the body, making you feel fuller for longer
Clinical trials have shown tirzepatide can help people living with obesity lose up 20% of their starting body weight, depending on the dose and accompanying diet and lifestyle support
Tirzepatide can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional alongside programmes which support people to lose weight and live healthier lives by making changes to their diet and physical activity
Tirzepatide comes as an injection, which can be self-administered once a week.
Any patient prescribed tirzepatide must participate in the specifically designed ‘wraparound’ care required by NICE guidance. This focuses on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity. As NHS England develops the service, it will provide more details of the wraparound support offer for patients who qualify. Patients cannot be prescribed tirzepatide if they do not wish to undertake the wraparound care support.
Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. A healthcare professional will discuss the most appropriate care and support, based on individual patient’s need. This could include behavioural support programmes, medical options including prescribing or bariatric surgery.
Normal prescription charges will apply unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions (for example, because you have a medical exemption certificate).