Lifestyle Support

Some people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, who are living with obesity and have serious related health conditions, may now be eligible for weight-loss injections through the NHS. This is only for a very specific group of people with the highest clinical need.

These injections are part of a wider NHS approach to help people manage their weight and improve their health. They are not a first step, and they are only offered after a full assessment by a specialist weight management service.

To be considered for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), people must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40* and have at least four of the following five health conditions:

• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep)
• abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

You can calculate your BMI to see if you may be eligible but a full assessment will be done through a weight management service.

Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Only a small number of people with the highest clinical need will qualify for weight-loss injections via the NHS.

“GPs will be able to refer eligible people into weight management services, who will assess each person and consider the next steps depending on their individual circumstances. These could be diet and exercise programmes, weight-loss injections or bariatric surgery.

“Anyone who is prescribed weight-loss injections on the NHS must participate in a wrap-around care service which includes diet, nutrition and exercise. We can’t underestimate the importance of a low calorie diet and increasing physical activity to support individuals whilst on the medicines and to sustain the weight loss.”

Other support is available for those who may not qualify for injections, including weight-loss and exercise programmes. Find out more about weight-loss services.

*Due to an increased risk of heath conditions at lower BMI thresholds in the following populations, the BMI used to assess eligibility for tirzepatide will be 2.5 kg/m2 lower for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.

Waist measurement of at least 31 inches for females and 37 inches for males
If you’d like face to face group sessions for men and women with physical activity – some focus on healthy eating and diet, then maybe FIT Magpies run by Notts County Foundation is for you

• 12-week programme based at Portland Leisure centre in the Meadows and other venues

• Weekly group physical activity sessions and a classroom element using a workbook

To start your registration for your FREE 12-week programme, please email or call Chris Riley on chris.riley@nottscountyfitc.org.uk or 07949 869020. Or register at www.efltrust.com/fitfans/

If you’d like face to face group sessions looking at healthy eating and diet – some focus on physical activity, then maybe

Slimming World is for you

• Weekly sessions at accessible locations across Nottingham city

• People who have attended for 12 weeks and losing weight can get another 12 weeks free to achieve their target weight

To start your registration for your FREE 12-week, click here. Those who do not have internet access can call 01773 546055