Medicines for weight management
Currently medicines for weight management are not recommended to be prescribed in NHS Highland.
We understand that there is significant interest in these medicines, and we are working to develop prescribing pathways that can meet the need of patients in NHS Highland as equitably as possible.
A national Short Life Working Group has produced recommendations to support Scottish Health Boards develop local clinical pathways. This process is underway in NHS Highland.
See also: Staying healthy when taking medications for obesity from the British Dietetic Association.
Medications
The following medications have been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to support weight management in NHS Scotland:
Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
Due to national shortages, NHS Highland is unable to start anyone on this medication.
Saxenda® is not recommended to be prescribed in NHS Highland for weight management.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
NHS Highland has accepted a formulary submission for this medication and it will become available once local clinical pathways are in place.
Until these pathways have been developed, Wegovy® is not recommended to be prescribed in NHS Highland for weight management.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
There has been no request to add this medication to the Highland Formulary at this time. Once a clinical pathway has been set up for prescribing these medications, this will enable a formulary submission to be submitted and assessed.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is not recommended to be prescribed in NHS Highland for weight management.
Nutrition and dietetics
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Nutrition and dietetics
Services available in the Highland and Argyll and Bute areas.
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Nutrition and dietetics - Argyll and Bute
Contacts and advice for referral.
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Diabetes resources in Argyll and Bute
Resources and support for those living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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Type 2 Diabetes Food and Health Service - Highland
Contacts and advice for referral.
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Diabetes resources in Highland
Resources and support for those living with type 2 diabetes.
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Medicines for weight management
Currently medicines for weight management are not recommended to be prescribed in NHS Highland.
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Diabetes - specialist team contacts
Contact details for the diabetes specialist teams at NHS Highland.
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Diabetes
Diabetes is a long term condition that causes blood glucose levels to become too high.