The Scottish Medical Consortium (SMC) has approved the following medications for restricted use in NHS Scotland for weight management. These medications are on the East Region Formulary for use within NHS Borders Weight Management Service.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
The Weight Management Service now accepts referrals from GPs and Consultants only for patients being considered for weight loss medications.
- Self-referrals are not accepted for assessment for weight loss medication
Weight Loss Medications Pathway
Weight loss medications are available through our Specialist Weight Management Service only.
Taking part in the programme:
- You will be required to take part in our Specialist Weight Management programme, as this is an important step before considering medication.
Assessment for medication:
- Following the programme, you will have the opportunity to discuss whether medication may be appropriate for you with a prescribing clinician.
Decisions about treatment:
- If medication is suitable, this will be agreed together at your assessment with the prescriber, in line with current Board guidance and following your participation in the programme. Private prescriptions may not be honoured within the service.
The Criteria set by Scottish Government for weight loss medications are listed below, these must be met at the assessment appointment with the prescriber:
- Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 38kg/m2
And,
- Have one of the following health conditions
- Chronic kidney disease (stages 3 or 4)
- Pre-existing cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH/NAFLD)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Prediabetes
- Dyslipidaemia
- Significant psychological distress related to obesity
We are currently receiving more referrals than usual, which means there is a long wait to be seen by our service.
Useful Links
Staying Healthy when taking medications for obesity:
Staying healthy when taking medications for obesity - BDA
GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know:
GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know - GOV.UK
The Scottish Government has issued a consensus statement advising the NHS in Scotland to consider a phased implementation of these medicines:
https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/dcconsensus-statement.pdf
NHS Borders is considering a phased roll out of these medicines for weight management in line with Scottish Government guidance.
Diabetes and weight loss medication: