The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
And the best present you can give them?
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We have nine life-saving questions to ask the man in your life
To talk about their health.
Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men.
But women can help nudge them.
'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot.
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So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around.
1. Are you exercising?
Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally.
'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward.
It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life.
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WHAT NEXT?
The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week.
How women can give their man a health MOT
Don't know where to start?
'A
2. Have you checked your vitals?
'
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'It's important to get blood pressure and
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It's important to keep your blood pressure in check
WHAT NEXT?
'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward
3. Have you had any ongoing pain?
We all have a little pain here and there.
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'If you had knee pain and you were older with some
'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood.
"You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.'
For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer.
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WHAT NEXT?
If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP.
4. Have you thought about stopping smoking?
Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward.
It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.'
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Smoking is a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke
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WHAT NEXT?
'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says.
'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.'
Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point.
5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed?
'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward.
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'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.'
But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.*
WHAT NEXT?
'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward.
Visit Manup.how, which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.
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6. Have you weighed yourself recently?
Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation.
'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward.
'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.'
WHAT NEXT?
Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch.
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GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services.
7. Do you pee easily?
While
Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen.
However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age.
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'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward.
Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable.
WHAT NEXT?
'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed.
'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.'
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Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer uk.org/risk-checker or talk to your GP.
8. How are things in the bedroom?
Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad!
But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off.
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Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, or mental health problems
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'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward.
It can also warn of heart health issues.
WHAT NEXT?
Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction.
It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while
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9. How much are you drinking?
There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward.
'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.'
The
WHAT NEXT?
If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it.
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Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support.
Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP.
Don't be a nag (but do get results)
Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner.
Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda.
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'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language.
'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned.
"I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?'
"Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.'
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Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda.
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The Irish Sun
23 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm A Celeb winner admits using fat jab Mounjaro in candid interview – before issuing warning to other users
ACTOR Christopher Biggins has revealed he is using weight loss jab Mounjaro after having surgery on his knee. The panto star, 76, said: "I'm on Mounjaro… and I think it's good. 1 Christopher Biggins has revealed he is using weight loss jab Mounjaro after having surgery on his knee Credit: Getty "I mean, I had a new knee put in, and I needed to lose weight because of the pressure on the knee." Biggins also claimed that "they're now finding out that this drug can cure a lot of other things" and added that "we don't know the side effects" of it yet. Weight loss jabs have been hailed as transformative by health leaders. The phased NHS roll-out of Mounjaro to patients in England started in June for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 and at least four co-morbidities. Over the next three years, about 240,000 patients are expected to be eligible for the treatment. A number of celebrities have used medication, such as Ozempic, in a bid to control their weight, including former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne. Wegovy and Ozempic are semaglutide drugs, while Mounjaro is another weight loss treatment called tirzepatide. Chef Heston Blumenthal recently warned that weight loss drugs will have a negative effect on the food industry.
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The best day to take your fat jab if you want to party, lose fat fast, dodge side effects or ace that job interview
Plus, we reveal the 7 'very easy' fat jab mistakes stopping you from losing weight - and check if you're eligible for free injections on the NHS JABBY DAYS The best day to take your fat jab if you want to party, lose fat fast, dodge side effects or ace that job interview MORE people than ever are taking weight loss jabs - but not everyone is seeing the same results. Experts now say that when you take these so-called 'miracle' drugs is key, impacting not only your slimming success but your chances of nasty side effects too - and even your future career prospects too. Advertisement 8 If you're struggling to shed the pounds on fat jabs, it could be that you're not taking them at the right time Credit: Getty 'Fat jabs' work by mimicking GLP-1 - a natural hormone that helps to regulate appetite, making you feel fuller for longer. They're currently being used by more than 1.5million people in the UK. Most medication is bought privately, costing £150 to £300 a month. But from June 2025, Mounjaro became available on the NHS to severely obese patients with weight-related health conditions. While these injections are effective - studies show Mounjaro can help users lose up to 23 per cent of their body weight over 72 weeks - they aren't without their flaws. Advertisement Nausea, constipation, headaches and vomiting are all common side effects, which can massively interfere with day-to-day life. Plus, jabs can't stop you from eating unhealthy foods. And many people are complaining that they simply aren't shedding pounds like they had expected. Well, experts reckon you can schedule your jabs to boost your chances of fat loss and limit the impact side effects may have. Professor Franklin Joseph, who prescribes Mounjaro and Wegovy to patients at Dr Frank's weight loss clinic, tells Sun Health: 'For many people, the jab works best when they are used in a way that supports the users' lifestyle.' Make your weight loss jabs work for you with this expert advice… Advertisement If you want to lose fat fast… KEEN to speed up your weight loss? Then taking your jab at the right point in the week could help. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While there isn't published evidence that timing your injection around certain days turbocharges fat loss overall, Prof Franklin says: 'In the real world, patients do report that their appetite control is strongest in the first few days following the injection. 'This is especially noticeable in the early stages of a patient's journey as the dose is gradually being built up to a point where they experience appetite control at the same level throughout the week. 'Psychology is also likely to play a role in this scenario.' So for maximum quick results, take your jab a few days before you want to look and feel your slimmest. Advertisement 8 If you're looking to lose weight fast, patients have reported their appetite control being strongest in the first few days following the injection Credit: Getty You can also amp up your weight loss simply by eating healthy foods and exercising. 'Weight loss injections help control appetite, but they don't override poor eating habits entirely,' Prof Franklin says. 'If you're still reaching for ultra-processed foods high in sugar and fat, it can stall progress. 'The best results come when you pair the jab with high-fibre, protein-rich meals. Advertisement 'Include oats, lentils, wholegrain bread, lean proteins (such as chicken, fish, turkey and eggs) and lots of vegetables. 'These keep you full, support your energy and help avoid the dreaded blood sugar crashes. 'Avoid greasy takeaways, creamy sauces and heavily fried food.' In terms of exercise, you don't need to go overboard; a brisk 30-minute walk most days can boost your weight loss results. 'Resistance training helps to preserve muscle while losing fat,' the expert adds. Advertisement 'But don't overdo it; aim for consistency, not exhaustion.' If you have a high-stress life… 8 Chronic stress raises levels of the stress hormone and can trigger cravings Credit: Getty WORK deadlines, social plans, family commitments and general life admin can take their toll, leaving you stressed. This often leads to comfort eating - not exactly ideal when you're trying to lose weight. Prof Franklin says: 'Chronic stress raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with weight loss and trigger cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods. Advertisement 'Even on jabs, stress eating can sneak in. 'If you always feel hungriest on certain days - maybe midweek when stress peaks or on weekends when routines go out the window - taking your injection a few hours before hunger tends to hit can make it easier to stick to your goals.' Try stress-relieving tactics too. Breathing exercises, walks in nature and even 10 minutes of journaling can help to calm your nervous system. If you have a job interview… 8 Avoid scheduling a dose before a job interview if you want to feel your best Credit: Getty WANT to be on top form for a high-pressure interview? Or perhaps you're due to give a presentation and want to feel your best? Advertisement Well, it's best to avoid scheduling your dose just beforehand. 'Instead, shift your jab to a different day that week,' says Prof Franklin. 'Some people feel a little off for a few hours after the injection. Nausea, tiredness or brain fog are common at first.' Although jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro should be taken every seven days, there are times when readjusting your routine due to certain events might mean you end up leaving it slightly longer than that until your next jab. Don't panic; Prof Franklin says that this won't undo your progress. Advertisement 'The key is consistency over time,' he adds. 'If you miss a dose by a few days, take it as soon as you remember or can, and return to your normal schedule the following week. 'Just avoid stacking doses or taking it too close together.' The 7 fat jab mistakes stopping you losing weight WHILE weight loss jabs have been hailed as a breakthrough in helping tackle Britain's obesity crisis, some users say they're missing out on their waist-shrinking powers - and it could be down to some simple mistakes... POOR PENMANSHIP Many people don't correctly use the injection pen, according to Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London. Make sure to prime your weight loss pen correctly, as per the instructions. If nothing comes out, try again, and if it still doesn't work, switch the needle or ask a pharmacist for help. It's also recommended to rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm to avoid small lumps of fat under the skin. 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DE-HYDRATION STATIONS Dehydration is a common side effect of weight loss injections. But it's important to say hydrated in order for your body to function properly. Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, says hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches, nausea and constipation. MOVE IT, MOVE IT It can be easy to see the jabs as a quick fix, but stopping exercising altogether is a mistake, says Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy. Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and help shape the body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you're experiencing excess skin. QUIT IT While there's the tendency to ditch the jabs as soon as you reach your desired weight, stopping them too soon can cause rapid regain. Mr Thakrar recommends building habits like healthier eating during treatment for sustaining results. 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'Weight loss injections help you tune into true hunger, so trust your body - eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied, even if it is at a celebratory meal. Advertisement 'Take a few bites, savour the flavours and enjoy the experience without overindulging.' And remember: regular overeating or drinking heavily can undo a lot of progress. 'If you're skipping for longer periods, such as holidays, please don't do this without medical advice,' he adds. If you're worried about overeating at the weekend… 8 Injecting on a Thursday might make people feel more in control during weekend social events Credit: Getty AFTER a 'good' week, it's easy to fall off the bandwagon at the weekend and undo your weight loss progress. Advertisement While on the one hand you might want to forget about dieting and enjoy your days off, you may be someone who is actually worried about the excess calories you know you're likely to consume. 'Injecting on a Thursday might help some people feel more in control during weekend social events,' says Dr Lees. 'These medications reduce appetite and slow digestion, providing steady appetite suppression throughout the week. 'While some people may notice stronger effects shortly after their injection, this varies from person to person and is most noticeable early in treatment or when increasing the dose.' But, do be careful as it might increase the chance of side effects disrupting any weekend plans - so keep that in mind if you're someone who suffers from nausea or stomach issues. Advertisement If you have debilitating side effects… 8 Try taking your injection ahead of a rest day if side effects leave you feeling uncomfortable Credit: Getty THE list of potential side effects from fat jabs is long. Some of the most common include nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue, but users also report stomach pain, constipation, dizziness, heartburn, bloating and hair loss. These side effects should lessen over time as the body gets used to the medication, Dr Lees says. 'These symptoms are usually more common when treatment is first started or when the dose is increased,' she adds. Advertisement If side effects leave you uncomfortable and unable to live life normally, try taking your injection ahead of a rest day, such as the evening before a day off or the start of the weekend. 'This gives a buffer to manage any side effects in the early stages of treatment or when moving up a dose,' says Dr Lees. 'Over time, as your body adjusts, you may not need to plan around time off as much.' When you do experience side effects, there are a few things you can do to feel more comfortable. 'If you feel nauseous or bloated, stick to bland, easily-digested foods like plain yoghurt with a few slices of banana,' Prof Franklin says. Advertisement 'Ginger tea or peppermint can ease nausea and small sips of water throughout the day can help. 'Don't force food. Instead, eat slowly, and only when you're hungry.' If you're a shift worker… 8 If you're a shift worker, the best timing is whatever fits naturally into your routine Credit: Getty YOU may be unsure when to take your weight loss jab if your work schedule is all over the place. But Dr Lees says that the most important thing is keeping a consistent injection day each week, which fits into your shift pattern, rather than an exact time of day. Advertisement 'For example, you might inject in the morning one week and in the evening the next, as long as it is still seven days apart,' she adds. 'Some shift workers may choose to inject on their first day off, when they have time to rest if side effects crop up.' Ultimately, the best timing is whatever fits naturally into your routine and is easy to remember. What if you're a night shift worker? 'There is no evidence that injection timing affects sleep or energy differently in night shift workers,' reassures Dr Lees. Advertisement 'Any changes in energy or sleep are usually indirect. For example, nausea can disrupt sleep and reduced calorie intake might cause fatigue. 'These effects depend on the dose and individual response and not what time of day you inject.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Your ultimate guide to beat the Mounjaro price hike – from switching jabs to getting them FREE on the NHS
From the differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy to cheating the postcode lottery, we reveal everything you need to know... as well as common jab mistakes stopping you losing weight JABS UP Your ultimate guide to beat the Mounjaro price hike – from switching jabs to getting them FREE on the NHS THE price of Mounjaro is set to soar, The Sun revealed yesterday - leaving slimmers desperate and worried at how they will afford the 'life-changing' drug. With the price hike looming on September 1, we reveal how to dodge the spiralling bills, getting your jabs for cheaper - or even free on the NHS - as well as the different side effects to be wary of. Advertisement 2 Eli Lilly has increased its prices of Mounjaro in the UK Credit: Getty The NHS has been giving Mounjaro prescriptions within GP practices since June. Private pharmacies boast 'no GP referral needed', with tantalising prices drawing in an estimated one million paying customers. Costs vary depending on the provider, jab and dosage, but are currently between around £120 and £220 per month. But that's all set to change, as the US-based maker of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, told The Sun it will be increasing charges in Britain to 'address inconsistencies' with prices it commands from other western countries. Advertisement The price the pharma giant charges pharmacies for a mid-range 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1. The maximum available dose, 15mg, will rise from £122 to £330. Eli Lilly claimed to have negotiated with big private suppliers to ensure the whole price increase is not passed on to patients - but with pharmacies already marking up jab prices, the public can expect to see the cost increase. It marks a huge blow for those for whom the jab offers a life-saving way out of obesity. The hefty price would affect those currently on the jabs, as well as those who had hoped to pay for them long-term to avoid weight regain. Toby Nicol, CEO at CheqUp, which has around 50,000 customers on weight loss jabs, said: 'This news will be disappointing for those who have achieved life-changing results with Mounjaro. Advertisement 'This is particularly the case for those on higher doses who will likely see substantial rises in price." Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons Mounjaro has been dubbed the 'King Kong' of fat jabs because its success tops other brands, including Wegovy (also called Ozempic for type 2 diabetes), and Saxenda. Now, with people considering switching to Wegvoy, some providers appear to have hiked prices of the alternative jab that's similar to Ozempic, in response to the update. Mr Nicol, who says they have reduced the price of Wegovy on CheqUp, says: "Wegovy is a brilliant drug and that's why we don't want anyone to be priced out and think they have to take something which is unsafe. "Do not buy from the cowboys. If the price is to good to be true, it probably is." Advertisement There is no direct dose equivalent, so swapping between drugs is not possible Dr Suhail Hussain Dr Ralph Abraham, a diabetes and endocrinology specialist verified on Doctify, a healthcare review platform, says: 'There is no problem in switching from one drug to another. 'But in a world where the drugs are often not prescribed by experienced doctors, it then becomes difficult to know where side effects might lie.' Here, we answer the worries of readers and address how this could influence weight loss jabs and their success. CAN I SWITCH TO WEGOVY? IT depends who you ask. Mr Nicol says: "It's clinically acceptable to go from Mounjaro to Wegovy. We are developing our own switching plan. Advertisement 'While Mounjaro remains the most effective treatment available, Wegovy is a more affordable option and is also clinically proven as a highly effective weight loss drug that has delivered incredible results for people who are on a weight loss journey. 'We are ready and able to provide advice to those who are looking to switch.' But Dr Suhail Hussain, a private GP verified on Doctify, believes this is likely to affect weight loss. 'There is no direct dose equivalent, so swapping between drugs is not possible,' he says. Wegovy is prescribed between 0.25mg and 2.4mg, while Mounjaro has doses between 2.5mg and 15mg. Advertisement Dr Hussain said: 'The weight loss drugs are generally started at the lowest dose and titrated up. 'So if you were on mid-strength Mounjaro you would have to go onto the lowest strength Wegovy. 'There may also need to be a 'wash out' period to wean off one on to the other - which will again have impact on results." But Mr Nicol says: "It doesn't feel right to do that, it's like a game of snakes and ladders. "We'd be saying to people, for example, on 7.5mg of Mounjaro, that they shuold be transferring over to 1.7mg of Wegovy." Advertisement Patients should receive clinically appropriate care, under supervision, that aligns with their individual health needs and personal circumstances, experts said. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SWITCHING TO WEGOVY? A USER would also need to adjust to the side effects of a new medicine. While these are relatively the same for either jab, there are slight differences. 'Mounjaro tends to be better tolerated in terms of GI side effects than Weygovy, so you may experience more nausea or vomiting etc,' says Dr Hussain. The 'very common' side effects of both Mounjaro and Wegovy are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation, according to Asda Online Doctor. Advertisement But Wegovy also says headache, stomach pain and feeling weak or tired are very common. WILL I LOSE AS MUCH WEIGHT ON WEGOVY? THE active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, while in Mounjaro it is tirzepatide. Both work in a very similar way on the body. Dr Hussain says: 'The two drugs work in a similar way (both are GLP-1 receptor agonists) but have some important differences. 'Mounjaro is a dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy is GLP-1 agonist only. 'Therefore, there may be a difference in impact on appetite suppression and hence subsequent weight loss.' Advertisement Mounjaro is a Ferrari, Wegovy is a Porsche, and diet and exercise is a horse and cart. Toby Nicol GLP-1 is a natural hormone released in your gut when you eat. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Wegovy helps slow down stomach emptying and control blood sugar levels, helping with fullness and sending a message to the brain to reduce food intake. Mounjaro does this too, but also mimics the hormone GIP, which also plays a role in blood sugar regulation and appetite. It's dual-action may be why Mounjaro is the preferred jab of choice for weight loss. 2 Is your weight loss journey at risk of being halted? You have options, experts say Credit: Getty Advertisement How much does Mounjaro cost now? The price of Mounjaro doses: These are general prices, but they vary by provider within a £30 range. 2.5mg: £120 5mg: £140 7.5mg: £150 10mg: £170 12.5mg: £210 15mg: £210 Mounjaro can help you lose around 21 per cent of your body weight, while Wegovy can help you lose 14.9 per cent. In one trial of Mounjaro, the SURMOUNT-1 trial of tirzepatide in non-diabetic patients over 72 weeks, people lost up to 22.5 per cent of their body weight while taking the highest maintenance dose. More than 89 per cent of people lost at least five per cent of their starting weight. STEP-1, a 68-week clinical trial carried out to study the weight loss effects of semaglutide (Wegovy), found that people lost up to 17 per cent of their body weight after taking the 2.4mg maintenance dose. Up to 85 per cent of patients lost at least five per cent of their starting weight. Advertisement Mr Nicol said: "Mounjaro is a Ferrari, Wegovy is a Porsche, and diet and exercise is a horse and cart." HOW CAN I GET THE JAB CHEAPER? SWITCHING to Wegovy might save you money - if your provider hasn't increased its prices. Below is a box showing the price of the highest dose of Wegovy and Mounjaro - but because the doses are not comparable, it's difficult to also compare their prices. Eli Lilly claimed it is negotiating with providers so that the whole increase is not passed on to patients. Mr Nicol said: 'At CheqUp we are determined to support our patients as best we can – and can announce today that despite these price rises we will not raise prices for those who are on the two lowest doses of Mounjaro. Advertisement 'We will also not pass on the full cost of the price rise for those on higher doses.' PRICES OF MOUNJARO AND WEGOVY Below is a price comparison of Mounjaro and Wegovy at some of the UK's most popular providers. NOTE: SOME PROVIDERS CONSIDER THE HIGHEST DOSE A MAINTENANCE DOSE AT THE END OF TREATMENT, AND IT IS NOT IMPERATIVE TO REACH IT. DOSES ARE ALSO NOT COMPARABLE. Prices as of August 14, 2025 CheqUp Mounjaro (tirzepatide) highest dose: £209 Wegovy (semaglutide) highest dose: £160 ASDA Online Doctor Mounjaro (tirzepatide) highest dose: £204 Wegovy (semaglutide) highest dose: £188.98 Oxford Online Pharmacy Mounjaro (tirzepatide) highest dose: £198.97 Wegovy (semaglutide) highest dose: £248.99 MedExpress Mounjaro (tirzepatide) highest dose: £199.99 Wegovy (semaglutide) highest dose: £199.99 Superdrug Online Doctor Mounjaro (tirzepatide) highest dose: £245 Wegovy (semaglutide) highest dose: £295 HOW CAN I GET MOUNJARO FREE ON THE NHS? IT was a game-changing moment when the NHS announced it would be prescribing weight loss jabs for free. You need to fit a strict set of criteria to be eligible, but the initial rollout is extremely limited to just 22,000 patients over the next three years. There are 3.4million people in England who would qualify for treatment under the NICE eligibility criteria. The NHS says you'll only be prescribed semaglutide (Wegovy) if you have health problems due to your weight and you have a BMI of either: Advertisement 35 or more, or 32.5 or more if you're of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin 30 to 34.9, or 27.5 to 32.4 if you're of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin, and you meet other criteria to be treated by a specialist weight management service Only a specialist weight management service can prescribe semaglutide. You may be eligible for tirzepatide (Mounjaro) from a GP if you have: A BMI of 40 or more And have at least four of these weight-related health conditions: type 2 diabetes high blood pressure (hypertension) heart disease (cardiovascular disease) abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia) obstructive sleep apnoea A weight management service or GP can prescribe tirzepatite. CAN I GET AROUND THE POSTCODE LOTTERY? THERE is a 'postcode lottery' of prescription, so whether you can access the drugs depends largely on where you live. Advertisement Shockingly, as little as eight out of 42 NHS Integrated Health Boards are prescribing the jabs, according to Sky News. Can you get around it? 'No,' says Dr Hussain. The NHS says you can check with your local Integrated Care Board to see if you are eligible for an assessment. Some GP practices have begged patients to stop requesting it from them. For example, a statement from Dr Khan's Practice in Clayton, Manchester, read: 'Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is not currently available anywhere in Greater Manchester, including GP practices, hospitals or specialist weight management services. Advertisement 'Please do not contact us to request it – you'll be contacted directly if you are eligible when the service becomes available in the area. 'Dr Khans Practice are not prescribing GLP-1 medications for weight loss until a service agreement is in place with Manchester ICB which is currently under review.'
