What are weight loss injections and who can receive them?

Weight loss drugs have gained a lot of attention over the past year, but many people are still not sure what they do, who can receive them and how they fit in with long-term lifestyle habits.

In this article, we explain the basics and outline how LiveWell Dorset can help people across the county with their weight management journey.

What are weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections are prescription-only medicines used to help people lose weight. They work by affecting appetite, helping you to feel fuller more quickly.

Different injections are becoming available through specialist NHS pathways, including medication such as Tirzepatide. These types of drugs are only offered in settings where people can be monitored and supported safely. They are not quick fixes and are not suitable for everyone.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide (more commonly known by its brand name Mounjaro) is an injectable prescription medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. It was approved for NHS use in December 2024 in line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE for short) – an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care.

How does Tirzepatide work?

Taken weekly, Tirzepatide is an injection which activates two receptors called GLP-1 and GIP to help your body produce more insulin when needed. It also reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver and slows down how quickly food is digested. This all helps to lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c.

Who can get the Tirzepatide weight loss injections?

Access to Tirzepatide is limited to people who meet the current criteria and have a referral from their GP. Assessment and prescriptions for these weight loss injections will happen in phased stages, so the system doesn’t become overwhelmed.

To meet the current eligibility criteria, you will need to have:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or more (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds), and
- at least four of the following long-term conditions:
  - Type 2 diabetes
  - Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  - Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol)
  - Established cardiovascular disease
  - Obstructive sleep apnoea
It’s important to note that Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone who meets the eligibility criteria. The LiveWell Dorset team will discuss the most appropriate care and support, based on the needs of the individual.

Why lifestyle habits still matter

Even when someone is prescribed weight loss medication, it must always sit within a wider plan that includes diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Drugs like Tirzepatide can help control appetite but they can’t encourage good health habits on their own.

Sustainable weight loss depends on what you do day to day. This includes what you eat, how much exercise you get and being able to recognise triggers that lead to comfort eating. No injections can replace these factors – they’re simply part of a much bigger picture.

How LiveWell Dorset can help

The weight loss support offered by LiveWell Dorset is built into national guidance. Our skilled coaches help adults living in the county who want to improve their health, including those struggling with their weight. We focus on steady, long-lasting changes rather than quick fixes or faddy diets and work with you to produce a health and fitness plan that’s tailored to your own personal health goals.

Our FREE offers also include:
- Three months membership at your local Slimming World Group
- Access to the Second Nature App for convenient online support
- Six sessions of 1-2-1 coaching with a Behaviour Change Coach
- Bespoke exercise ideas to help you become more active
- Tools to help you self-manage your journey, including our LiveWell Finder service
If you live in Dorset and are looking for weight management support, register with us today. Our team is here to guide you towards healthier habits that last.

Further reading: A Healthy Approach

Ivan
I drank too much alcohol and had unhealthy eating habits. Pastry is such a bad thing, it's all those pies, pasties and sausage rolls!

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How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

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What are weight loss injections and who can receive them?