A practical guide to using medicines to manage overweight and obesity

Overview

This resource covers the pharmacological management of overweight and obesity in adults. It does not cover prescribing in pregnancy. It should be used when a healthcare professional and the person living with overweight or obesity have decided to try a medicine as part of the person's weight-management plan. This guide provides an outline of the steps needed to safely assess, prescribe, monitor and stop medicines that can be prescribed in primary care for weight management. Local services will determine which healthcare professional is best placed to provide the care needed. A multidisciplinary team approach could be used.

Checklists are available that summarise the actions and assessments that may be needed, depending on the person's clinical circumstances. The following checklists are available to download from the resources page of NICE's technology appraisal guidance on tirzepatide:

  • initial assessment checklist

  • counselling checklist

  • follow up and monitoring checklist.

This resource is not NICE guidance but supports the implementation of NICE guidance. It should be read alongside any local policies, pathways and commissioning arrangements.

NHS England is developing services to provide wraparound care, focusing on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity. When further details of this support have been provided, this guide will be reviewed. NHS England is also developing an interim commissioning policy for tirzepatide which, when published, should be read alongside this guide.

This page was last updated: