Prescriptions

The prescribing of gluten-free foods in Lincolnshire is ending from 1^st August 2025.

The Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), the organisation that plans local NHS services, took the decision at its meeting on 17^th July 2025, following a lengthy consultation process including discussions with patient representative groups and clinicians including GPs, dietitians and pharmacists.

You can read more about the changes on the local NHS website: Gluten Free prescription changes – Lincolnshire ICB

Where you can find out more

For further information about the changes to the prescribing of Gluten-free products and the support available please visit the local NHS website: Gluten Free prescription changes – Lincolnshire ICB

In addition to find out more about Coeliac Disease and how to manage symptoms, please visit – www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease

There is a lot of information on the Coeliac UK website at www.coeliac.org.uk that you can access if you want advice about your diet including:

• Home of Gluten free recipes
• Diet and health workshops
• Food and drink information
• Gluten-free food on a budget

The Association of UK Dietitians also have a range of support and information – www.bda.uk.com/resource/coeliac-disease-and-Gluten-free-diet.html

The BBC Good Food website also contains top 10 tips for a gluten free diet www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/top-10-tips-gluten-free-diet

Patient Webinars are also available to view on Overview of Coeliac Disease – patientwebinars.co.uk

There is local advice and support available on the cost of living from local authorities:

• Cost of Living Support – City of Lincoln Council
• Cost of living support | North Kesteven District Council
• Household Support Fund Grant | South Kesteven District Council
• Household Support Fund (HSF) – Boston Borough Council
• Household Support Fund – South Holland District Council
• Financial support | West Lindsey District Council
• Household Support Fund – East Lindsey District Council

If you require specific advice, please ask your GP if you can be referred to a dietitian. If you have a general enquiry about the changes, you can:

• Email: feedbacklincolnshireicb@nhs.net
• Telephone: 01522 309299
• Write: Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board HQ, Bridge House, The Point, Lions Way, Sleaford, NG34 8GG

Tirzepatide (also called Mounjaro^®) is a weight loss medicine that makes you feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry.

Access to the medication will be prioritised to ensure patients with the greatest clinical need can receive it. This approach was developed based on discussions with clinical experts and engagement with key organisations.

The following weight-related health conditions will be used to define those who are eligible first:

• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep)
• abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

Cohort 1 – will start in June 2025. At least 4 of the 5 health conditions listed above plus a BMI of at least 40 (BMI to be adjusted for ethnicity*).

Cohort 2 – in addition to the patients in Group 1, access to the drug will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria in year 2. At least 4 of the 5 health conditions listed above plus a BMI of 35 to 39.9 (BMI to be adjusted for ethnicity*).

Cohort 3 – in addition to patients in Cohorts 1 and 2, access to the drug will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria in year 3. At least 3 of the 5 health conditions and a BMI of at least 40 (BMI to be adjusted for ethnicity*).

*Due to an increased risk of heath conditions at lower BMI thresholds in the following populations, the BMI used to assess eligibility for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will be 2.5 kg/m2 lower for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.

If tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®) is recommended, you will need to eat a balanced, reduced calorie diet and take part in physical activity regularly whilst taking the medicine.

Eligible patients will be contacted directly as the cohorts are released.

Demand for these medications

With around 67% of adults in Lincolnshire being classified as overweight or obese, demand for these medications is expected to be high we aim to:

•  Prioritise patients most in need
•  Ensure safety and proper lifestyle support alongside medication
•  Deliver a fair and consistent service

Frequently Asked Questions

To help explain the current position we have produced some Frequently Asked Questions which can be found below:

• NHS England Frequently Asked Questions for patients
• ICB Specific Frequently Asked Questions for patients

We are committed to providing the highest quality, safe care for all or our patients and we will continually update this information as the work progresses, and more information and guidance is released.  We will also keep patients informed of the latest developments in weight management services and the introduction of medications like Tirzepatide .

For further information please visit Weight loss medicine – Lincolnshire ICB

If you require specific advice, please ask your GP if you can be referred to a dietitian. If you have a general enquiry about the above guidance, you can:

• Email: feedbacklincolnshireicb@nhs.net
• Telephone: 01522 309299
• Write: Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board HQ, Bridge House, The Point, Lions Way, Sleaford, NG34 8GG