Weight Management Injections
Important Information for Patients - updated June 2026
We have received a number of enquiries about Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and other weight loss injections available on the NHS. Please read the information below carefully before contacting the surgery, as eligibility criteria are strict and most patients will not qualify at this time.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS in Sheffield?
Yes — from October 2025, GPs in Sheffield are able to refer eligible patients to Oviva, the local Tier 3 specialist weight management service, for assessment for Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) injections. However, eligibility is extremely limited during the initial rollout and is designed to prioritise patients most at risk due to their weight and related health conditions.
Mounjaro cannot be prescribed directly by your GP. It can only be provided through the Oviva Tier 3 Weight Management Service following a formal referral.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for referral to the Oviva Tier 3 Weight Management Service, you must meet both of the following:
1. BMI Criteria — one of the following:
BMI of 50 or above (47.5 or above for certain ethnic groups — see below)
OR
BMI of 40 or above (37.5 or above for certain ethnic groups) AND at least four of the following five medical conditions:
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidaemia (abnormal cholesterol or blood fats)
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack, stroke, angina)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
BMI Adjustment for certain ethnic backgrounds
A reduction of 2.5 kg/m² applies to all BMI thresholds above for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds — including people of mixed race who have one of these backgrounds. This adjustment is in place to ensure equitable clinical prioritisation and access to appropriate treatment.
If you do not meet the BMI threshold and have at least four of the listed medical conditions, we are not able to refer you to the service.
2. Tier 2 Weight Management Requirement
Before a referral can be made, you must have demonstrated a commitment to losing weight by participating in a recognised weight loss programme within the last 24 months. Accepted programmes include:
• A locally commissioned Tier 2 weight management service
• An equivalent NHS nationally commissioned programme — such as the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, Digital Weight Management Programme, or Type 2 Diabetes Pathway to Remission
• A commercial weight loss service (e.g. Slimming World, Weight Watchers)
• Primary care or local authority health coaching, dietetic support, or practice nursing support to enhance diet, nutrition, physical activity, or weight management
• Completion of the free NHS 12-week Weight Loss Plan app — available at: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
Please note: Self-funded weight loss injections (such as privately purchased Wegovy or Mounjaro) do not count as Tier 2 engagement.
What about Wegovy (Semaglutide)?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a different weight loss injection also available on the NHS, but only through a specialist Tier 3 weight management service — it cannot be prescribed in primary care. The eligibility threshold is lower (BMI ≥35 with at least one weight-related comorbidity), but the same Tier 2 engagement requirement applies.
What should I do if I think I may be eligible?
If you believe you meet the criteria above, please submit a triage request via our website. A GP will review your request and contact you to discuss whether a referral is appropriate. Please be aware that we are unable to make a referral without evidence of prior Tier 2 engagement.
Submit a triage request: https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/C88027
Important information for women of childbearing age
If you are using Mounjaro or any other GLP-1 weight loss injection, please be aware of the following:
• Do not use Mounjaro if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using it, stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
• Do not rely on oral contraception while using Mounjaro — use a barrier method instead, as GLP-1 medicines may affect how oral contraceptives are absorbed.
• Only use GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.
• Report any adverse reactions via the Yellow Card scheme.
For full MHRA guidance, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know
Further information
Sheffield Tier 2 Weight Management Service (Morelife) — self-refer online: https://www.more-life.co.uk/eligibility/sheffield/
South Yorkshire ICB — Tirzepatide FAQs: https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/nices-announcement-tirzepatide-frequently-asked-questions-patients
Free NHS 12-week Weight Loss Plan: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
Eligibility criteria may change as the NHS rollout progresses. Please check back for updates