Weight-Loss Medication

Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro®, is a GLP1/GIP agonist. Other medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy®), liraglutide (Saxenda®), are known as GLP-1 agonists. Both types of drug work in the same way and mimic gut hormones released by the body after eating, telling the brain you are full and slowing down the time it takes the stomach to empty.

Access to Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) via the NHS is for those at greatest risk of ill health, or who are experiencing severe ill health due to living with obesity.

This means that in order to get weight loss medicines, you must meet certain criteria. You must be overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (or 37.5 or more if you’re of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin) and:

have 4 or more of the following weight related health conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea or type 2 diabetes

have at least 1 weight related health condition and you need to lose weight urgently for a specified life limiting reason such as cancer treatment or organ transplant surgery

‘Access’ on 23 June does not mean people will be able to get a prescription for Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) on that day. People living with obesity who meet the criteria will be able to explore with their healthcare professional whether this is the right treatment for them.

A new service is being developed so that eligible patients can access this medication through a dedicated primary care pathway. However, this new service won’t be available by 23 June 2025. We’ll let you know the exact start date as soon as it’s confirmed. Please note that the medication cannot be started through individual GP practices.

In the meantime, if you are eligible for weight loss medications, your GP will be able to refer you to a south east London specialist weight loss service who are able to prescribe the medication for you.

Physiotherapy

You can book to see an experienced physiotherapists to diagnose a musculoskeletal or joint problem you have – as an alternative to seeing a GP. They can not only diagnose your condition, but offer advice on how to best manage it, and refer you on for imaging or specialist support, if this is needed.

Guys and St Thomas physiotherapy services recommend using the GetUBetter app to get personalised support with exercise to help your musculoskeletal problem.

Download the getUBetter app

If you know that you need ongoing support from a physiotherapist, or have been advised by your GP, the First Contact Physiotherapist or a consultant that you need to see a physiotherapist to support you with your condition, then you can self refer to local physiotherapy services.

Self-refer for physiotherapy here

Social Prescribing Link Worker

At its most basic, a social prescription offers the kind of help that doesn’t come in a tube or bottle (non medical).

Instead, a social prescribing link worker creates your own social prescription to provide you with support, help and information that will enable you to access services or activities that will improve your health, wellbeing and overall enjoyment in life.

YouTube: What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing link workers can offer support and signposting for a variety of non-clinical interventions such as:

people struggling to adapt or cope with chronic conditions that can’t be addressed by clinical consultation
mental health and emotional wellbeing
relationship difficulties
domestic abuse
loneliness and isolation
low self esteem
poor housing
financial issues, including benefits
carers
bereavement
health goals e.g. weight management, healthy eating, stop smoking, physical activity

Judith Centeno
Social Prescribing Link Worker
Practice: Streatham Common Group Practice; The Exchange Surgery

About Judith Centeno

Other languages spoken: English, Spanish and Catalan

I was born in Nicaragua, coming from a tropical country I have experienced different natural disasters and I remember the war when I was child.

I have studied a degree in business back home, but my first job was in an NGO that stands for children in social exclusion, was there when I realised that I didn’t want to work in my career. I was working as accountant.

Therefore I decided to change the course of my career, when I moved to Spain I studied a post degree in humanitarian aid, also done some voluntary work with women who were disadvantaged and vulnerable.

In the UK, I have worked for many years in the care industry but I felt that something was missing until I heard of social prescribing. This is a great opportunity to through my job improve the living conditions of many people, having the right information, the right resources and good connections and relationships in the community.

In my role as social prescriber link worker I have different situations, you can meet people with different backgrounds, age, ethnicity, religion. I find that very enriching and challenging, can feel like a personal assistant for every single case as you need to focus in every detail.

Hoping to be of help for the patients and learn from them too.

Visit the MYCommunity Directory

Health and Wellbeing Coaching

We provide Health and Wellbeing Coaching Service for our patients, with support from Know Your Own Health. If you are struggling to manage your health condition, or going through a difficult time that is impacting on your health, then this service could help support you to make changes.

You will be offered 6 individual 1:1 sessions with a trained Health Coach. Sessions are 45 minutes long and usually arranged weekly, at a time to suit you. They can be face to face, virtual or on the phone, whichever you prefer.

Self-refer at KYOH Lambeth

This service does not replace any existing referrals you may have with clinicians/nurses.

If you are unable to go online, please feel free to contact your practice to make a referral.

Pharmacy Links

We have close links with Copes Pharmacy, including computer links.

NHS Health Checks

The NHS Health Check is a check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It can help spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia

Learn More