Mounjaro now available on NHS prescription in Lancashire - here's who qualifies

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has approved its policy regarding the prescription of tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

GP practices will identify their patients who are eligible, based on criteria set by the ICB, to receive the medication and contact them directly.

Who is eligible?

The first group of people eligible are those who:

• Live in an area identified as one of the most deprived based on the Government’s indices of multiple deprivation (IMD-1).
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more (or 37.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds)

And have at least four of the following long-term conditions:

• Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or type two diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidaemia
• Established cardiovascular disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (formally diagnosed)

Do not contact your GP

The ICB said: “The NHS has an obligation to commission services equitably, ensuring fair access to health support for those most in need. As NHS funds are limited, we are targeting this support initially at those from the most deprived areas of the region.

“Please do not contact your GP to request medication. If you are eligible, you will be contacted directly.”

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication called tirzepatide that helps with weight loss and the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking natural gut hormones that reduce appetite, slow digestion, and control blood sugar levels, helping users feel fuller longer and eat less. It is approved for use alongside diet and exercise for people with obesity or weight-related health problems.

“I lost 11 stone using Mounjaro”

A Lancashire mum has spoken of how she lost 11 stone on the weight-loss jabs.

Rebecca Banks, 25, from Clitheroe weighed 26st 6lbs, and wore a size 28 before starting Mounjaro, and said she had already tried Saxenda jabs, Weight Watchers and fasting, but nothing seemed to work.

Starting in April 2024, she lost 4st herself through improving her diet, and upping her daily step count to 10,000.

Four months later, Rebecca started on weekly Mounjaro jabs, which she pays £199 a month for privately, and has gone on to lose a further 7st in nine months.

Despite minor stomach ache on occasion, Rebecca says she has suffered no other side effects. She now weighs 15st exactly, wears a size 16 and says her mental health has improved.

She said having her son Lorenzo was her main motivation. She said: “As soon as I had him, I wanted to be around for him and not get any obesity-related issues. I tried lots of other things before and they all didn't work. Basic activities like walking were a struggle. It affected me mentally massively - I was unhappy with my body image.

"I started eating more meat and vegetables rather than takeaways, fast food, and processed foods. I massively reduced my carbs and sugar intake because I've got PCOS as well and carbs and sugar can affect you more.

“After that, I felt I was struggling to shift more. Mounjaro has really benefitted me - it's shrunk my appetite and reduced something called food noise.

"I had no side effects, and straight away, I was mentally ready, and I was on it - it does take some time to get used to eating the smaller portions.

"Some people may see it as cheating but I say it's a tool to help me on the journey - it's helped me change my relationship with food. My mental relationship with food has changed because of it. Now my mental health has improved a lot, and I'm sleeping much better."

“I'm hoping not to take it forever. I don't want to be. I'm hoping when I get to my goal weight of 13st then I'll slowly wean myself off and stick to a healthy lifestyle."