Weight loss injections
Currently there are several weight loss injections on the market. Unfortunately, in primary GP Surgeries in Bristol we are unable to prescribe these injections to patients solely for the purpose of weight loss unless they are under the care of a specialist weight management service.
What specialist weight management service’s are available in Bristol?
There is currently one Specialist Weight Management Service (tier 3) commissioned in Bristol available to new referrals: Oviva.
Oviva is one of the organisations recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This service has the facility to prescribe weight loss injections to appropriate patients. Suitable patients will be supported and prescribed treatment for up to two years. For more information on Oviva service and what they can offer please follow the below links.
North Bristol Trust- Weight Assessment and Management Service (tier 3 and 4) is currently not taking on any new referrals.
Do I qualify for specialist weight management service’s (tier 3)?
To be eligible you must be:
- Aged 18 or over, and
- You have engaged with community weight management services over a 2 year period, but have failed to achieve or maintain weight loss goals. These services include BeeZee Bodies, FIT Robins, alternative weight loss groups or education.
If you meet the above criteria and have a BMI of 40 or above or a BMI of 35 or above with significant obesity related co-morbidities that could be improved with weight loss, you may be eligible for referral to Oviva.
*patients with a BMI over 50 can be referred directly without evidencing tier 2 engagement.
Please note referral criteria accessed on Oviva’s website is based on weight only and does not take into account local referral guidance.
How do I calculate BMI?
You can calculate BMI using your height and weight using the below link.
What is an obesity related co-morbidity?
It is one or more of the following:
- established cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes,
- hypertension
- idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- non- alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
What happens if I am already on the waiting list for specialist weight management services?
If you are already on the waiting list for the specialist weight management service, you should have received an option to opt into a remote tier 3 weight management service called Oviva. You can transfer to this service by responding to the text message you have already been sent. This service has the facility to prescribe weight loss injections to appropriate patients.
Before considering referral to Oviva please be aware that:
- The Oviva service will be aimed solely at patients on the medical pathway, not the surgical pathway – i.e. if the patient wants to access bariatric surgery, this is not an option for them.
- Support is provided via an App or on the telephone by Oviva so patients will need access to a device to engage with Oviva or use of a telephone.
What options are available if I do not qualify for this service?
There are alternative support programmes available. Please follow the below link to see options available to patients at Bridge View.
Link to Healthy Weight page
Further information can be found: