Updated: 24 June 2025
The NHS provides a wide range of advice and tools to support healthy weight loss. We understand that many people are looking for support in managing their weight.
Currently, we are not able to prescribe Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management at this time. Therefore please do not book appointments to discuss this medication.
Although NHS England has published national eligibility criteria, the local guidance for Greater Manchester has not yet been finalised. This is due to strict NHS and regional guidelines that are outside of our control, and which are still awaiting formal approval.
Once formal approval has been completed, the initial eligibility criteria will be based on:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and
- four or more of the following weight-related health conditions
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease caused by narrowed or blocked arteries (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Please click here to read further information Weight management in Greater Manchester | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Private Prescriptions
We are aware a lot of patients are choosing to have this medication prescribed privately. We are not permitted to provide private GP services to our own NHS patients. Greater Manchester NHS does not provide resources for us to administer services in association with Mounjaro so if you were to have any problems/questions regarding this private prescription you would need to consult with your Mounjaro provider or a private GP service.
What support is available now?
While prescribed treatments such as Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are not yet available, in the meantime, if you wish to discuss other options around weight management that are not Mounjaro please book with our healthcare assistants who can discuss lifestyle measures and some of the options we have to refer locally. Please see list below for further support options available.
Physical Activity Referral in Stockport (PARiS)
Physical Activity Referral in Stockport (PARiS) scheme is the exercise referral scheme delivered by Life Leisure. Designed to help people doing less than 30-minutes of exercise per week and living with chronic health conditions, to become active and improve their health. A joint partnership between Life Leisure and Public Health, the scheme is delivered by a strong and experienced team of health and exercise professionals, who provide guidance, support and motivation towards health improvement.
Please click here for more information about the PARiS Scheme.
Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, also known as the Healthier You programme, identifies people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them onto a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme. The Healthier You programme is available both as a face-to-face group service and as a digital service. When referred into the programme, people are free to choose between the two. Please click here for more information.
A Better Life (ABL) Stockport
ABL Stockport offer a free adult and family weight management service. Group sessions and one to one support is also available. Some are run as virtual sessions. Programmes in Stockport include:
For adults
- Enable, targeted T2 programme; healthy lifestyle sessions for adults of all ages to lose weight, get fit and feel motivated
- Trim Down Shape Up (TDSU); a 12 week group programme supporting men with their health and fitness goals
- Age well with ABL – a 12 week programme of nutrition and exercise for anyone over the age of 65. Low impact exercise, tailored nutrition and group support
For families
Food Activity balance (FAB); a 12 week programme of fun physical activity and healthy lifestyle sessions for families. A great opportunity to learn new skills and to achieve long term healthy eating habits for your family. The programme supports families with children aged over 4 who are above the 91st centile. You can use the NHS BMI calculator to check
To find out more about ABL Stockport and how they can support you:
- visit the ABL website
- call 0161 870 6492, then option 1
- email wellness.ablstockport@nhs.net
- text STOCKPORT to 62277 for adult support
MoreLife
If you have a BMI over 35, you may be eligible for services provided by MoreLife. Ask your GP about a referral to this programme.
Greater Manchester Nutrition and Hydration Programme
The Greater Manchester Nutrition and Hydration programme raises awareness about malnutrition and hydration in older people. Their website includes tips and advice for eating and drinking well if you’re older or a vulnerable person.
You can also download their Eat, Drink, Live Well booklet (PDF 4.01Mb) which offers some simple ideas to help you add calories to meals and make food preparation easier.
Online weight loss programmes
NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
The 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme could help you if you’re living with obesity and also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
This free programme can help you develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight. It’s available on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
You need to speak to your GP or a local pharmacist who can refer you to the programme.
Websites
NHS Better Health
NHS Better Health provides a range of tools and support to help you start healthier eating habits, move more and start losing weight. It includes information about the free NHS weight loss plan app and how to download it. You can also find special offers on a range of other weight loss plans.
This includes MAN v FAT, which is for men with a BMI of 27.5 or over who want to lose weight. They run the award-winning weight loss programme MAN v FAT Football, providing guidance, resources and community support to thousands of men every year. One of its weekly football clubs runs in Woodley, Stockport.
The MAN v FAT Better Health offer allows you to register for just 50p and get your first month of MAN v FAT Football for half price.
NHS Live well
NHS Live well provides a range of healthy weight and weight loss advice and information for adults and children of different ages.
British Nutrition Foundation
You can find advice and tips on how to put healthy eating and an active lifestyle into practice on the British Nutrition Foundation website.
Let’s Get Moving – Cycling
Support is available to get cycling and get walking
You can also visit Greater Manchester Walking to find local walking groups.