Can You Get Mounjaro on the NHS?
The June 2025 Update on Weight-Loss Injections in the UK

The UK’s fight against obesity has taken a major step forward. As of June 2025, the NHS has officially begun prescribing Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss — marking a historic shift in how obesity is treated in primary care settings. Previously limited to patients with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro is now being made available to those living with severe obesity and related health conditions. But what does this mean for patients, and what should you know before requesting it?

🚨 NHS Greenlights Mounjaro for Obesity Treatment

On Monday 23 June 2025, NHS England launched its first mass rollout of weight-loss injections through GP surgeries. This follows guidance from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), which recommended Mounjaro be prescribed not just by hospital specialists, but also in everyday GP practices.

This is a major milestone: for the first time, GPs can directly prescribe a weekly weight-loss injection to eligible patients, allowing tens of thousands of people to access support closer to home.

✅ Who Can Get Mounjaro on the NHS?

In this first phase, NHS access is strictly limited to patients who meet the following criteria:

• A BMI of 40 or higher
• At least four serious obesity-related health conditions, such as:
  • – Type 2 diabetes
  • – Heart disease
  • – Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • – High blood pressure
  • – Joint/mobility issues

NHS England expects to treat up to 220,000 high-need patients over the next three years. While this is a strong start, it’s a fraction of the estimated 3.4 million people who may benefit from these medications in the long term.

🎯 Why Now? The Evidence Behind the Decision

The decision to expand access was driven by several key factors:

Clinical Success

In global trials, Mounjaro consistently produced weight loss of up to 20–23% of body weight — a result previously only achievable through surgery. These results surpassed those seen with similar drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide).

Favourable Safety Record

Another major reason for the NHS rollout is the low incidence of serious side effects. While mild side effects like nausea and diarrhoea are common early on, serious adverse events have remained rare. This strong safety profile gave regulators confidence to approve wider use beyond diabetes.

Patient Demand and Momentum

The overwhelming demand in the private sector and success in diabetes patients demonstrated a clear public appetite for access. Thousands of patients have self-funded private treatment at costs ranging from £100–£300 per month — often without medical oversight. NHS access offers a safer, more equitable alternative.

📉 Supply Concerns: Demand May Outpace Supply

Despite the announcement, NHS leaders and GPs have warned that access may still be limited in practice.

Key concerns include:

1. 1. Supply shortages: As seen with Wegovy and Ozempic, demand for GLP-1 medications often exceeds available supply. Experts expect delays in medication fulfilment and potential pharmacy shortages within months of the rollout.
2. 2. GP training and capacity: Many practices are still undergoing training to safely prescribe and monitor patients on Mounjaro, meaning not all surgeries will offer it immediately.
3. 3. Tiered rollout: Due to funding and logistical pressures, the NHS will prioritise the most clinically urgent cases. Those who don’t meet the high-risk criteria may need to wait or consider private options in the interim.

🔎 How Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual-acting GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. It mimics hormones that:

• – Regulate blood sugar
• – Slow down digestion
• – Suppress appetite
• – Increase feelings of fullness

This combination has proven significantly more effective than previous GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), especially for people with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.

⚠️ Important Warnings

Patients prescribed Mounjaro via the NHS will also receive ongoing clinical support, including:

• – Nutritional guidance
• – Behavioural health input
• – Activity planning

Mounjaro is not a quick fix. NHS clinicians stress that it must be combined with long-term lifestyle changes to ensure sustainable results. Additionally:

• – It can affect oral contraceptive effectiveness — women of childbearing age may need to use backup contraception.
• – Side effects like nausea, cramping, diarrhoea, or loose skin may occur, particularly with rapid weight loss.

💬 What If You’re Not Eligible on the NHS?

For those not yet eligible for NHS-funded treatment, private weight loss clinics remain the main alternative. Many offer consultations with qualified prescribers and monthly supplies of Mounjaro from UK-regulated pharmacies.

Pricing typically ranges from £99 to –£200/month, depending on dosage and support packages. Private demand is expected to rise even further now that Mounjaro is in the national spotlight.

At Hale Weight Loss Clinic we have 2 options available:

1. 1. Purchase Mounjaro online: click here
   2. Attend our Hale Weight Loss Clinic, consultation, body scan (weight & composition) & weekly Mounjaro injections: click here

🧾 Final Summary

🟢 In Summary

The NHS rollout of Mounjaro marks a game-changing shift in obesity treatment — moving care closer to home, grounded in science, and focused on prevention. But while the evidence is strong and the intent is clear, access may still be a waiting game for many due to tight eligibility rules, rising demand, and inevitable supply challenges.

If you believe you may qualify — or want to explore your options — speak with your GP or a licensed clinic for more guidance.

Purchase Mounjaro online: click here

Attend our Hale Weight Loss Clinic, consultation, body scan (weight & composition) & weekly Mounjaro injections: click here