Weight loss injections

As of 23rd June 2025, GP services are now able to prescribe weight loss injections (Tirzepatide). The criteria for access to this treatment in year one is strict and we can only offer it to patients with a BMI over 40 and FOUR weight related risk factors. We will be contacting patients that are eligible.

‘**Oviva Service Update August 2025**

Oviva have an unknown time frame for their waiting list.
Any new referrals to Oviva will be accepted by the service and held on a waiting list. We currently do not know how long this timeframe will be. All patients who have started the pathway already will continue to progress through the two-year programme.

Weight loss injections can still be prescribed for the purpose of weight loss for patients who are under the care of a specialist weight management service.

Check out below for further information about the roll out of weight loss injections in primary care and specialist weight management services.

Weight loss injections in Primary Care

‘You may have seen in the media that people living with obesity will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management in primary care. This means primary care settings can begin discussions with patients about whether Tirzepatide is appropriate to support weight loss alongside a healthy diet and physical activity. Bridge View Medical are working to set up services quickly and will be contacting eligible patients.

It will initially be available for a small number of patients who have a BMI of 40 or greater and FOUR of the following diagnosed health conditions:

– Type 2 diabetes

– Hypertension (high blood pressure) – requiring medication

– Cardiovascular disease – such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure or peripheral vascular disease. (this does not include conditions such ad atrial fibrillation or valvular heart disease).

– Obstructive sleep apnoea – confirmed by a sleep study and requiring treatment, such as CPAP/

– Dyslipidaemia

It is important to note that eligible patients should be motivated to engage in a weight management programme that provides support with lifestyle changes. Evidence suggest Tirzepatide is more effective long term if used in combination with a healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity.

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.

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) for adults - NHS

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 Services

 

Further information can be found:

Joint Policy Statement regarding GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists in people living with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes - British Dietetic Association (BDA)

FAQs for patients