AIBU to ask GP for weightloss jab?

There’s many different options around.

Where I get it from I can have video appointments with the prescriber. Some offer a full support package.

I have another condition to usually see a nurse or a doctor once a month, who are aware I am on it and they supportive of it. Though I would say the nurse is far more knowledgeable on it than the doctor.

@TentEntWenTyfOur of course its a trite comment and one that gets dropped onto pretty much every thread on this topic. There is a huge problem with obesity in this country, if it was as simple as that then we wouldn't have a problem. I'd suggest that nearly all obese people understand and know that they need to change the way they eat and the amount of activity they do. Yet, nearly all obese people don't manage it. Your answer to that is that they are all irresponsible and lazy, even the people that are using the weight loss injections because they're relying on a magic wand to solve their weight problem. It's just so utterly simplistic to reduce a complex problem down to berating people to eat less and move more, or be damned as lazy and irresponsible. That doesn't work, hasn't worked, won't work, never will work.

@ThePure from a reputable online prescriber you will have access to medical support, the level of support varies. Some offer regular coaching, video sessions, all kinds of things. Some it's not so intensive but you can contact the doctor responsible for prescribing to you with any questions or issues. Obviously you get a lot of information alongside the prescription about what it is, how it works, what to expect, what to eat, exercise, nutrition...

Every time I order, my prescriber sends a letter to my GP detailing the current prescription. I have to fill out the consultation each time and update with my current weight, and at some point I may be asked to provide photos again to verify.

I'd say it really is a magic bullet.
And the NHS should get on with rolling it out!

I'd second what some previous posters have said. It costs X, but you can offset the cost of most of your food. You may eat so little on these drugs that you save plenty!
Also clothes- if you can get back into a wardrobe full of smaller clothes, there's a good saving rather than buying more 'fat' clothes
It'll cost less than what it appears on the tin, if you consider the above

Though I think they should absolutely be available on the NHS to anyone with an obese BMi, these drugs are fantastic!!

For all the people who are funding it privately do you get medical support with it doing it that way? Eg Do you have someone you can speak to about side effects or dose titration, any does or don'ts about what to eat etc?
I know lots of people on here seem very confident and seem to just look up info online/ ask in chat groups but I would personally feel a bit scared and want proper medical supervision of a prescription only drug.
I'm not asking for myself but genuinely I have a friend who I am sure would really benefit, clearly fits criteria and can actually afford it but the one thing holding her back is who to turn to if she gets side effects or a bed reaction. She is thinking of waiting it out for the Tier 3 programme for that reason.
It would seem to me that ideally it would be good to have it as part of a proper programme prescribed and monitored by a specialist but it looks as though even if you wait 18 months you might still not get that.

It is not a trite comment, and this is why. With all due respect, my weight and general health is pretty much the same as the OP's right now. But - on the other hand - I am also aware that the reason I'm fat, have high cholesterol and am borderline diabetic is BECAUSE MY DIET IS RUBBISH AND IT IS MY FAULT. But that is within my control. I was managing to reduce my weight really well last year, until I had a breast cancer scare and a biopsy etc, and my diet fell apart a bit then with the possible prospect of the grim reaper bearing down on me. But I am now beginning to get back on track again, and it is all about taking responsibility for your own actions. You can't just abdicate that responsibility and expect science to come up with a magic wand for you if you aren't prepared to put the work in as well.

Just about to write the same thing. Where I live it’s a tier 3 medical obesity service drug. My clinic is at the hospital and very difficult to be referred to and if you are referred there’s over a year wait. GP can’t prescribe.

locally it wouldn’t be GP prescribing it. The GP would refer you to weight loss services, you’d need to do minimum 12 weeks of slimming world or similar before being referred to tier three weight management service. Likely 12-18m wait from that point to seeing someone who could say yay or nay.

if you’ve got the cash and you want ti try it then just give it a go. Alternatively, if you wait til you e developed diabetes then your GP will be able to prescribe. Bonkers system.

I tried that one. Our ICB is not participating

The nice guidelines are that there must be another weight comorbid condition- one of which is pre diabetes or diabetes- but the wording is 'such as' then a list of examples - but if you search weight comorbid conditions there are several - so I would go armed with that.

I asked my GP about them, she referred me to a tier 3 obesity clinic. I have my first appointment next week, I’ve waited about 6 months for it. I don’t know what they will suggest or whether they will be able to prescribe them, so I’m trying to save up some money just in case I do have to fund them myself. I can’t afford them on my current income, but I’ve been putting a little bit away each month when I can afford to so hopefully I will at some point be able to get them one way or another 🤞.

i don’t think there’s any harm in asking.

Sounds like it would be very difficult to get it prescribed. I think pay for it if you can find it and don't feel guilt as if it works it will benefit them as well.

You won't get it through the docs. I've been in tier 3 weight management for two years after waiting over 12 months for a referral, I'm about to go up to tier 4 and they still can't offer the jab - surgery is the only option and to be frank the obesity tier system is useless, they call and ask what you've eaten every 6 weeks and that's it!

However, I've been self funding Mounjaro and have lost 4 stone since January, so if you can afford it, just buy it online (obviously from a registered pharmacy).

Then just go online and do it that way, you’ll be asked questions by the online GP supplied by the company selling the drugs.
It’s not a magic bullet, and that’s why the NHS is so reluctant to just dole it out.

I didn't bother asking my GP for it, I just immediately went private. I'm lucky I can afford it I know. I doubt my GP would've been able to prescribe anyway but I wasn't willing to jump through hoops and wait years for the slim chance I could get it when I can self fund and do it now. Lost 1.5 stone in nearly 7 weeks so far.

Hopefully this will change in due course because that is utterly bonkers as treatment plan

In 18 months (or less) the patient could already have lost much, if not all, of their excess weight, perhaps then they could be offered a short 6 week course to engage with the psychology behind maintenence and having a different body size (because that is an impact). That would be helpful

Gp here says have to do a 12 week face to face courses before any further action…. And that action not injections either. Not ideal when course is on a day of work or an evening when have young kids and no childcare.

Definitely ask, the worst that happens is they say no but they may well say yes.

I'm t2 diabetic so a bit different but I asked fully expecting them to say no as my diabetes was being managed with insulin and metformin so they could have refused. They didn't though, they said yes straight away and it's great. I'm losing weight, my sugar levels are loads better and I've been able to ditch the insulin and metformin.

There is no shortage of Mounjaro, it is readily available and very cheap for the NHS to purchase and prescribe so is more cost effective than insulin and metformin.

Overall a great result for everyone.

My GP referred me to the weight management service. I waited 18months to be told they have no funding for these types of treatments. They wrote to my GP to ask my PCN to fund it. My area has no funding for them either. So neither service knew that about each other, despite being in the same borough. Also diabetic.