23/06/2025
Below is an update from NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight regarding weight loss support -
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.
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.
