Community weight management support in Dorset

Updated 28/05/2026

The new weight management ‘tirzepatide’ medication (brand name Mounjaro®) is available to NHS patients in Dorset.

Around 1,500 people currently qualify for the medication based on national eligibility criteria. You can contact your GP to be referred for the service.

Who is eligible?

The groups of people eligible under the national criteria includes individuals who:

  • 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

  • Have at least four of the following long-term conditions:

    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    • Dyslipidaemia
    • Established cardiovascular disease
    • Obstructive sleep apnoea

(Source: NHS England Interim Commissioning Guidance – NICE TA1026)

Local roll out

The new community-based weight management service launched in January 2026. This service is being designed in response to your feedback about what matters most to you:

  • Choice: You want both face-to-face and online support options

  • Accessibility: You want a service that is easy to access and inclusive

  • Equity: You want it to meet the needs of people experiencing health inequalities

  • Integration: You want it linked with existing behavioural support in Dorset

We’ve listened and built a sustainable, community-led model that reflects your priorities and will serve Dorset for the long-term.

Importantly, those who meet the national criteria will not lose their opportunity to access if you choose to wait before being accessing care.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide (known in the UK under the brand name Mounjaro) has recently been approved for use in the NHS in line with NICE.

Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity – guidance – NICE

NICE is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care.

For more information on weight management services in Dorset visit LiveWell Dorset.

For service queries – email