Second Nature’s approach
As a provider of Mounjaro as part of our weight loss programme, we’re taking several steps to address this situation:
Our position
“Because Second Nature has a direct account with Eli Lilly, we negotiate and receive supply directly from them rather than only via intermediaries,” explains Chris Edson. “That puts us in a strong position to secure volume-based terms and stable supply, helping us keep any changes as low as possible.”
Our commitment
Mike Gibbs adds: “We’re actively negotiating with Eli Lilly to secure the best possible pricing for our members. While we can’t yet confirm final pricing, we’re exploring every avenue to minimise the impact on those who rely on our programme.”
Timeline for updates
- Current pricing remains in effect until 1 September 2025
- Members will receive updates as soon as possible on either confirmed pricing increases or a status update
- Orders dispatched before 1 September will be at current prices
Why is this happening?
According to Eli Lilly’s official statements, there are several factors driving this significant price adjustment:
1. International price alignment
When Mounjaro launched in the UK, its price was set “significantly below” European averages. This was partly to avoid delays in NHS access during a period of global supply constraints for GLP-1 medications.
“We are now aligning the list price more consistently,” Eli Lilly stated, following a review of international pricing. The company also cited “new clinical evidence supporting the value” of Mounjaro as justification for the increase.
2. US policy pressure
Eli Lilly’s move appears to be influenced by US government policy. The United States bears much higher drug costs than European markets, and the current US administration has been pushing drug companies to raise prices abroad to accommodate domestic reforms that could lower American drug prices.
This approach, sometimes called “most favoured nation” pricing policy, aims to create more parity across global markets.
3. Preventing export for profit
Another factor mentioned by Eli Lilly is reducing the risk of UK supply being exported illegally to higher-priced countries for profit, a practice that can disrupt local supply chains.
4. Research and development costs
The company also suggested the adjustment aims to ensure the UK contributes “fairly” toward global research and development costs for medications like Mounjaro.
NHS vs private patients: Who will be affected?
The impact of this price increase will vary significantly depending on how you access Mounjaro:
NHS patients
If you receive Mounjaro through the NHS for type 2 diabetes or obesity:
- You will not be affected by this price change
- The NHS has a separate pricing agreement with Eli Lilly
- Your prescription and access will continue as normal
- The actual NHS price is undisclosed but remains much lower due to government-negotiated discounts
The NHS plans to scale up availability of Mounjaro to hundreds of thousands of patients over the next three years, though regional disparities in access remain a concern.
Private patients
If you pay for Mounjaro privately or through private health insurance:
- You will likely see increased costs from September 2025
- The exact price increase will depend on your provider
- Some providers may absorb a portion of the increase
- Pricing may vary considerably between different clinics and pharmacies
“Private patients are caught in a difficult position,” says Mike Gibbs, co-founder of Second Nature. “Many people turned to private options due to limited NHS availability, and now face significant price increases for a medication that’s become essential to their health.”
What this means for you
If you’re currently taking Mounjaro, here’s what you need to know:
Immediate impact
- No immediate change: Prices won’t change until 1 September 2025
- Current prescriptions continue: Your current treatment plan remains in place
- Check with your provider: Different clinics and pharmacies may handle the increase differently
After 1 September
- Higher costs likely: Most private patients will see increased costs
- Potential discounts: Eli Lilly says they are working with private providers to maintain some level of accessibility, though prices will still be “significantly above” previous UK levels
- Variable pricing: The actual price you pay may not be the full list price everywhere
Financial considerations
For many patients, this increase will have a significant financial impact. Someone on the highest dose could see their annual cost rise by over £2,500.
“We’re particularly concerned about patients who have built their treatment plans and budgets around the current pricing,” notes Dr. Rachel Hall, Principal Doctor at Second Nature. “For many, these medications have been life-changing, and we’re committed to helping them navigate this challenge.”
Exploring alternatives
We recognise that the Mounjaro price increase may make the medication unaffordable for some.
That’s why we’re also working to provide access to alternative GLP-1 medications like Wegovy that can deliver excellent results with potentially more predictable pricing.
Your options going forward
If you’re concerned about the price increase, here are some options to consider:
1. Continue your current treatment
If the new pricing remains affordable for you, continuing with your current treatment plan is the simplest option.
2. Discuss alternative dosing strategies
Some patients may benefit from maintaining a lower dose of Mounjaro that could reduce costs while maintaining effectiveness.
“There’s emerging evidence that many patients achieve sustainable weight loss at the lower doses of Mounjaro, if they combine it with healthy habits”, explains Dr. Hall, “Our approach is about using the medication to kick start weight loss, but implementing healthy habits so patients can come off of the medication in the future if they choose to.”
3. Explore NHS eligibility
If you haven’t already, check whether you might qualify for NHS-funded GLP-1 medications. Eligibility criteria include:
- BMI of 40 or above with 4 obesity-related comorbidities
- Previous participation in lifestyle interventions
- For type 2 diabetes patients, specific clinical criteria apply
4. Consider Second Nature’s Wegovy weight-loss programme
For many patients, Wegovy (semaglutide) represents a clinically proven alternative with comparable effectiveness to Mounjaro:
Comparable clinical outcomes:
- Clinical trials show Wegovy helps patients lose an average of 15-17% of their body weight over 68 weeks
- This is similar to the weight loss seen with Mounjaro’s lower doses (5mg and 10mg)
- For someone weighing 100kg, that’s approximately 15-17kg of weight loss
Second Nature’s proven approach:
- Our published research demonstrates that patients in our Wegovy programme lost an average of 19.1% of their body weight after 12 months
- This means someone weighing 100kg at baseline would lose approximately 19.1kg
- These results highlight the effectiveness of combining medication with our comprehensive support system
How to join: Second Nature is relaunching its Wegovy weight-loss programme after pausing it last year. If you’d like to explore this option, join our waiting list and we’ll notify you as soon as it’s available.
Our Wegovy programme includes the same level of support, coaching, and evidence-based approach that has made our Mounjaro programme successful, just with a different medication that may offer more pricing stability.
5. Focus on sustainable habits
“Medications like Mounjaro work best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes,” notes Dr. Hall. “Strengthening these habits now can help maximise your results and potentially support maintenance if medication becomes less accessible.”
Frequently asked questions
Is Mounjaro going up in price in the NHS?
No. The price increase announced by Eli Lilly does not affect NHS patients. The NHS has a separate pricing agreement with Eli Lilly that remains unchanged.
If you receive Mounjaro through the NHS, you will continue to pay the standard NHS prescription charge only (currently £9.90 per item in England, with different arrangements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
How much is Mounjaro increasing to?
The price of Mounjaro for consumers will depend on the providers as many will negotiate larger volume discounts with Eli Lilly.
At the moment, we only know that the unit cost that providers pay will be increasing and the price increase varies by dosage strength. The highest dose will increase from £122 to £330 per month (a 170% increase).
Lower doses will see increases ranging from 30% to 138%. For example, the lowest doses are increasing from around £92 to approximately £133 per month.
These are list prices; actual patient costs may vary depending on provider markups or discounts.
How much will Mounjaro be?
After the price increase on 1 September 2025, Mounjaro’s new UK list prices will be:
- Lower doses: approximately £133 per month
- Mid-range doses: varying prices (45-138% higher than current)
- Highest dose: £330 per month
For private patients, the actual cost will depend on your provider’s pricing structure. Some providers may absorb part of the increase or offer volume discounts.
Why did the price of Mounjaro go up?
Eli Lilly has cited several reasons for the price increase:
- Aligning UK prices with other European and international markets
- Pressure from US policy to create more consistent global pricing
- Preventing the illegal export of UK supplies to higher-priced countries
- Ensuring the UK contributes “fairly” to global research and development costs
- New clinical evidence supporting the value of the medication
Many patients have questioned whether these reasons justify such a substantial increase, especially given the impact on accessibility for those with lower incomes.
How much is Mounjaro on the NHS list?
The exact price the NHS pays for Mounjaro is not publicly disclosed. The NHS negotiates confidential discounts with pharmaceutical companies that are significantly lower than list prices.
NHS patients only pay the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item in England), regardless of the medication’s actual cost. Many patients are also exempt from prescription charges altogether.
Does the NHS pay for Mounjaro?
Yes, the NHS does fund Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for eligible patients. It’s currently approved for:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes who haven’t achieved adequate control with other medications
- Adults with a BMI of 35 or above (or 30+ with weight-related conditions) who have previously tried lifestyle interventions
Availability varies by region, and specific eligibility criteria may differ across NHS trusts. Speak with your GP to determine if you qualify for NHS-funded treatment.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro?
Wegovy (semaglutide) offers compelling advantages that make it an excellent alternative to Mounjaro for many patients:
- Proven effectiveness: Wegovy delivers an impressive 15-17% average weight loss in clinical trials, with Second Nature members achieving even better results at 19.1% average weight loss
- Established track record: With years of real-world use and extensive clinical data, Wegovy has a well-documented safety profile that provides greater peace of mind
- Targeted action: Wegovy’s focused GLP-1 mechanism means potentially fewer systemic effects than Mounjaro’s dual GLP-1/GIP approach, which some patients find leads to a more comfortable experience
- Optimised dosing: Wegovy’s more gradual dose escalation schedule allows your body to adapt more comfortably, often resulting in better tolerance
- Superior affordability: Following Mounjaro’s price increase, Wegovy offers comparable results at a significantly lower cost, potentially saving you over £1,500 annually
- Enhanced availability: Wegovy’s established market position means better supply chain reliability and accessibility through both private providers and NHS services
- Backed by research: Over 20,000+ patients have participated in Wegovy clinical trials, creating one of the most robust evidence bases of any weight loss medication
The science is clear: for most patients, Wegovy delivers clinically meaningful weight loss comparable to Mounjaro, especially when combined with Second Nature’s comprehensive support programme, at a fraction of the cost.
Take home message
The substantial price increase for Mounjaro represents a significant challenge for private patients in the UK.
While NHS patients remain protected from these changes, those paying privately will need to consider their options going forward carefully.
At Second Nature, we understand the concerns this raises and are committed to supporting our members through this transition.
We’re actively working to secure the best possible terms for Mounjaro while also developing alternatives like our Wegovy programme to ensure you have access to effective treatment options.
If you’re currently taking Mounjaro, we recommend staying in close contact with your healthcare provider to discuss your options and ensure continuity of care.
Join our Wegovy programme waiting list to be notified as soon as it launches. We’re committed to supporting your health journey, regardless of which medication best fits your needs.
Second Nature's Mounjaro programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme
Why choose Second Nature over other medication providers, assuming you’re eligible?
Because peace of mind matters.
We’ve had the privilege of working with the NHS for over eight years, helping people across the UK take meaningful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Our programmes are designed to meet people where they are, whether that means support with weight loss through compassionate one-to-one health coaching, or access to the latest weight-loss medications (like Mounjaro) delivered alongside expert care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and personal trainers.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: real, lasting change comes from building better habits, not relying on quick fixes. We’re here to support that change every step of the way.
With over a decade of experience, thousands of lives changed, and a long-standing record of delivering programmes used by the NHS, we believe we're the UK’s most trusted weight-loss programme.
We hope to offer you something invaluable: peace of mind, and the support you need to take that first step.
