Project Overview

The Weight Protect Programme aims to identify, engage, and support patients living with obesity, ensuring that only those who meet NHS England’s criteria for tirzepatide (a GLP-1 weight loss medication) are initiated on this treatment. For those who do not meet the criteria for tirzepatide, the programme will provide ongoing support and monitoring through primary care, helping reduce the burden on Tier 3 services. 

This programme is offered through a joint working funding arrangement with an industry partner, meaning there is no additional cost to your ICB. 

Key Service Components: 

1. Identification: 
   Proactively identify at-risk individuals using primary care data (e.g., BMI, comorbidities). This ensures that eligible patients are prioritised for tirzepatide treatment, while high-risk individuals who don’t qualify for the medication are still supported. 

2. Engagement: 
   Patients will be contacted via SMS using the Eclipse digital engagement platform, providing them with a link to an informative landing page and a dynamic questionnaire. This will capture additional risk factors, preferences, and help prioritise patients for weight management support. 

3. Multidisciplinary Support: 

   • Eligible patients will be offered tirzepatide and other weight loss interventions. 

   • Ineligible patients will receive ongoing support, including lifestyle interventions, enhanced monitoring, and access to allied healthcare professionals like GPs, dietitians, psychologists, and care navigators. 

4. Optimising Tirzepatide Access: 
   A streamlined process will ensure patients who meet NHS England’s criteria for tirzepatide are referred and supported in line with funding requirements, maximising the use of available resources. 

Projected Benefits: 

• Reduction in obesity-related hospital admissions by over 20%. 

• Improved patient outcomes through better weight management and reduced comorbidities. 

• Reduced pressure on Tier 3 services, as patients who do not qualify for tirzepatide will receive appropriate support in primary care. 

• Maximisation of NHS England’s central funding for tirzepatide, ensuring efficient use of resources. 

Practice Participation: 

We invite practices to participate in the Eclipse Weight Protect Programme to help identify and support patients who could benefit from weight management and tirzepatide treatment. By joining the programme, your practice will receive guidance on the process of engaging patients and documenting reviews. 

Please complete the pro forma below to express your interest and confirm permission for patient engagement. You will be notified prior to any active patient engagement, and your practice will receive instructions on how to view patient lists and track patient progress. 
 

If you would like your practice to participate, please complete the following form