Can you get Mounjaro on the NHS?

Jump to: What is Mounjaro? | NHS eligibility criteria | Mounjaro cost in the UK | Side effects | Private prescription options | Frequently asked questions | Take home message

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is now available on the NHS for people living with type 2 diabetes and a limited number of patients with obesity.^1,2

According to NHS England statistics, approximately 4.3 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, while 28% of adults are living with obesity.⁴

NICE has confirmed that NHS Mounjaro will be available to 250,000 patients with obesity over the next three years (2025-2028), prioritising those with the highest BMIs and obesity-related health complications.²

This limited allocation reflects both budget constraints and the need to assess the medication’s long-term effectiveness in NHS settings.

Currently, NHS Mounjaro access varies by region, with England implementing the NICE guidance most widely. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may follow different timelines based on their own health technology assessments.³

If you don’t meet NHS criteria, private Mounjaro prescriptions are available through clinically supported programmes, such as Second Nature.

What is Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and how does it work?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual-action medication approved by the MHRA for treating type 2 diabetes in 2023¹ and for obesity management in 2024.²

In the UK, it’s marketed as Mounjaro for both conditions, unlike in the U.S., where it’s called Zepbound for obesity treatment.

Tirzepatide works through two distinct mechanisms:

1. It mimics GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and reduces appetite by communicating with the brain’s hunger control centre⁷
2. It also mimics GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which further enhances blood sugar control and may improve how fat cells store energy⁷

This dual-hormone action is why Mounjaro is different to single-action medications like Ozempic or Wegovy (semaglutide).

Comparison of weight loss medications available in the UK

Medication	Active ingredient	Mechanism	Average weight loss	NHS availability	UK monthly cost (private)
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist	15-25%	Limited (250,000 patients)	£200-370
Wegovy	Semaglutide	GLP-1 receptor agonist	10-15%	Limited	£149-£249
Saxenda	Liraglutide	GLP-1 receptor agonist	5-10%	Very limited	£160-£240
Xenical	Orlistat	Lipase inhibitor	3-5%	Widely available	£40-£60

 

How to qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK

NHS England provides Mounjaro through 2 pathways: one for type 2 diabetes and one for obesity. Each has specific criteria that must be met.

Type 2 diabetes pathway (England)

According to NICE guidance (TA924), to qualify for NHS Mounjaro with type 2 diabetes, you must meet all these criteria:¹

• Triple therapy with metformin and two other oral antidiabetic drugs is not effective, not tolerated, or contraindicated
• AND one of the following:
  • BMI of 35 kg/m² or more with specific psychological or medical problems associated with obesity
  • OR BMI below 35 kg/m², AND either:
    • Insulin therapy would have significant occupational implications
    • OR weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related complications

For people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, the BMI thresholds are typically reduced by 2.5 kg/m² (so 32.5 kg/m² instead of 35 kg/m²).

Obesity pathway (England)

For people without diabetes but living with obesity, NICE guidance (TA1026) states you may qualify if you have:²

• BMI of 35 kg/m² or more (obesity class II or III)
• OR BMI between 30-35 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as:
  • Pre-diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Dyslipidaemia
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Cardiovascular disease

However, due to the 250,000 patient limit over three years, the NHS is currently prioritising those with the “greatest clinical need.” In practice, this often means:³

• BMI of 40+ (obesity class III)
• Multiple obesity-related complications
• Previous unsuccessful attempts with other treatments

Regional variations across the UK

NHS access to Mounjaro varies significantly across the UK:³

• England: Following NICE guidance with the 250,000 patient allocation
• Scotland: Scottish Medicines Consortium reviewing for 2025/2026 approval
• Wales: Under assessment by All Wales Medicines Strategy Group
• Northern Ireland: Following NICE guidance but with more limited implementation

Even within England, availability varies by local NHS trust and Integrated Care Board (ICB) capacity.

Mounjaro cost in the UK (NHS vs Private)

NHS prescription costs

If you qualify for NHS Mounjaro, you’ll pay:

• In England: £9.95 per prescription (standard NHS charge)
• In Scotland and Wales: Free (no prescription charges)
• In Northern Ireland: Various charges apply depending on circumstances

However, the challenge is qualifying for and accessing NHS Mounjaro, not the prescription cost itself.

Private Mounjaro costs in the UK

For those who don’t qualify for NHS treatment or prefer not to wait, private options include:

Provider	Mounjaro monthly cost	Programme includes	Consultation fee	Additional costs
Second Nature	Prices to be confirmed in October	Registered dietitian support, app access, tracking tools	Included	None
Pharmacy-only providers	£180-£370	Basic screening, medication only	£20-£50	Delivery charges may apply
Private GPs	£180-£370	Medical oversight	£100-£200 per consultation	Regular follow-up appointments

The significant price difference between pharmacy-only providers and programmes like Second Nature reflects the comprehensive support included with our programme, which research shows improves outcomes.⁵

The Second Nature programme includes access to registered dietitians and nutritionists, app-based tracking, and behaviour change support alongside the medication.

Mounjaro side effects: UK patient experience

According to UK clinical data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme⁶ and our research published in JMIR⁵, the most common side effects experienced by UK patients taking Mounjaro are:

• Very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):
  • Nausea (28.8% in month 1, reducing to 6.9% by month 12)⁵
  • Constipation (25.6% in month 1, reducing to 15.5% by month 12)⁵
  • Fatigue (18.2% in month 1, reducing to 5.2% by month 12)⁵
• Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Hair loss (more common after several months of treatment)

Importantly, our research shows that side effects typically decrease significantly over time as the body adjusts to the medication. By month 12, 69% of patients report no side effects at all.⁵

UK guidance from the MHRA emphasises that Mounjaro is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.⁶

Private Mounjaro options in the UK

If you don’t qualify for NHS Mounjaro or prefer not to wait, several private options exist in the UK.

Second Nature’s Mounjaro programme

Second Nature offers an evidence-based Mounjaro programme that combines the medication with comprehensive support:

• Programme elements:
  • Mounjaro prescription (after clinical assessment)
  • One-to-one support from UK-registered dietitians or nutritionists
  • Habit-tracking tools and app access
  • Community support groups
  • Structured behaviour change curriculum
• Clinical oversight:
  • Initial medical screening and ongoing monitoring
  • Side effect management support
  • Regular weight and health check-ins
  • Transition support for long-term maintenance
• Evidence base:
  • Our JMIR study demonstrated 19.1% average weight loss at 12 months with comprehensive support, compared to 15-17% in clinical trials with minimal support.⁵
  • 77.7% of participants achieved clinically significant weight loss (≥10%)⁵
  • 61.5% achieved ≥15% weight loss⁵
• Cost structure:
  • First month: £129 (£100 off)
  • Subsequent months: £229-£299 (based on dose)
  • No hidden fees; all-inclusive pricing

What to consider when choosing a UK Mounjaro provider

When evaluating private Mounjaro options in the UK, consider:

• CQC registration status: All legitimate providers should be registered with the Care Quality Commission
• Medical oversight: Who prescribes and monitors your treatment
• Support structure: What happens between prescriptions
• Evidence base: Published research on their approach
• Transparency: Clear pricing with no hidden costs
• Long-term strategy: Support for maintaining weight loss

Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro in the UK

Is Mounjaro available on the NHS in the UK?

Yes, Mounjaro is available on the NHS in England for people with type 2 diabetes who meet specific criteria and for a limited number (250,000) of people with obesity.^1,2 Availability varies across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.³

What are the NICE-approved criteria for NHS Mounjaro treatment?

For type 2 diabetes: Failed triple therapy and BMI ≥35 (or BMI <35 with specific occupational or health considerations).¹

For obesity: BMI ≥35 or BMI 30-35 with weight-related health conditions.² However, due to limited allocation, those with the highest clinical need are prioritised.

Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro in the UK?

Yes, GPs can prescribe Mounjaro if you meet NHS criteria and it’s available in your local NHS area. However, many GPs refer eligible patients to specialist weight management services due to the complex assessment required.³

How does the NHS Mounjaro waiting list work?

The NHS doesn’t maintain a single national waiting list. Instead, local NHS trusts and Integrated Care Boards manage their allocation based on clinical need.³ Waiting times vary significantly by region, ranging from 1 to 18 months, depending on local capacity.

Is Mounjaro available in all NHS regions across the UK?

No, availability varies. England has implemented NICE guidance most widely, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland follow their own assessment and implementation timelines.³ Even within England, access varies by NHS trust.

Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro on the NHS?

Switching is possible if your healthcare provider determines Mounjaro would be more clinically appropriate. However, NICE guidelines typically recommend trying semaglutide-based medications before tirzepatide due to cost considerations.^1,2

How long will the NHS provide Mounjaro treatment?

NICE guidance doesn’t specify a maximum treatment duration for obesity management.² For type 2 diabetes, treatment continues as long as you maintain at least a 3% weight reduction and show improvement in glycaemic control after 6 months.¹

Take home message

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) represents an important treatment option for people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity in the UK.

While NHS availability is limited to specific patient groups and regions, private options provide an alternative route for those who don’t qualify or prefer not to wait.

When considering Mounjaro, remember:

• NHS access is currently limited to 250,000 obesity patients over three years, prioritising those with the highest clinical need^2,3
• Private options range from medication-only services to comprehensive programmes with professional support
• Research shows that outcomes improve significantly with proper nutritional and behavioural support alongside medication⁵
• Side effects are common initially but typically decrease substantially over time^5,6

Whether through NHS or private routes, Mounjaro works best when viewed as a tool to support long-term lifestyle changes rather than a standalone solution.

References

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Tirzepatide for treating type 2 diabetes (TA924)
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2025). Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity (TA1026)
3. NHS England. (2025). Implementation guidance for tirzepatide in obesity management
4. NHS Digital. (2025). Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, England 2021
5. Richards, R., et al. (2025). A Remotely Delivered, Semaglutide-Supported Weight Management Program: 12-Month Outcomes From a Retrospective Service Evaluation. JMIR Formative Research, 9(1), e72577.
6. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2025). Drug Safety Update: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): monitoring and management of gastrointestinal adverse effects
7. Jastreboff, A.M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205-216.