How much does Mounjaro cost in the UK?

When it comes to weight loss, chances are you've tried everything. From the latest fitness fads to a reduced-calorie diet, religiously hitting that step count or taking cold plunges. It's enough to leave you exhausted and drained of energy.

While there might not be a quick fix for weight loss treatment, you need support and guidance to achieve sustainable results. It's for this very reason that weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are all having a moment in the spotlight, having been found to help aid weight loss.

If you've heard about Mounjaro (tirzepatide), you'll know its ability to regulate appetite has led to it being hailed as a weight loss drug, helping individuals to kickstart their weight loss journey as they commit to making better changes and living a healthier lifestyle.

If you're curious about how much Mounjaro costs in the UK and how this weight loss treatment works, we share everything you need to know about Mounjaro as a weight loss tool.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which comes from a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. When you consume food, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that helps the body regulate hunger and blood sugar levels.

Medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda all try to mimic the actions of this GLP-1 hormone. Where Mounjaro differs, however, is that it also mimics another hormone: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

GLP-1s work by improving insulin function to lower blood sugar levels, as well as delaying gastric emptying, which then serves to decrease appetite. They also communicate with the brain’s appetite control centre — the hypothalamus — to reduce food-seeking behaviour. 

In addition, GIP is a hormone released in response to food that helps fat cells to 'absorb' more excess energy, preventing fat from being stored in the liver or pancreas. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

As a result, Mounjaro helps to reduce appetite, which can make individuals feel fuller for longer. It’s for this reason that those taking the medication often report eating fewer calories, with reduced calorie intake being an essential part of any weight loss programme.

According to a 2021 study, participants who took Mounjaro reported sharper reductions in blood sugar levels and greater weight loss than those taking Wegovy and Ozempic [1].

Mounjaro is taken weekly via injection, with patients typically starting on a 2.5mg-dose injection once weekly for 4 weeks.

As appetite becomes better regulated, patients find they have greater control in sticking to a diet, which has led the drug to be hailed as an effective weight loss tool, especially when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Is Mounjaro effective for weight loss?

When it comes to weight loss, the saying rings true: there are no quick fixes or magic pills. Despite this, to effectively lose weight in a sustainable manner, support is critical. Weight loss injections can serve as additional tools that help you kickstart your weight loss journey as you look to make several lifestyle changes. 

With your appetite levels under control, weight loss injections can help set you up for success and give you the support needed to create sustainable lifestyle habits that will stick for the long term.

Interestingly, Mounjaro doesn't just offer benefits to patients navigating diabetes. In fact, the research found that study participants who did not have diabetes and took tirzepatide lost up to 22.5% of their body weight after 72 weeks [2].

Are there any side effects of taking Mounjaro for weight loss?

Mounjaro may be effective for weight loss, but that doesn't mean it's not without its side effects. The most common side effects reported by those taking a Mounjaro prescription include feelings of nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, and indigestion due to the medication's impact on the digestive system [3].

These side effects were typically experienced around the time of injection and when you increase your dosage, with most patients finding their body adjusted and side effects eased off with continued treatment. In rare instances, the drug can lead to renal failure, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Mounjaro also comes with a boxed warning, which refers to the most serious warning offered by the Food and Drug Administration. According to the FDA, using Mounjaro may increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. For those with a family member or history of any kind of thyroid cancer, doctors are unlikely to prescribe the medication.

Despite this, it's important to remember that everyone responds differently to medications, with some experiencing no side effects while others might encounter persistent issues. Make sure to chat with your healthcare provider to ensure this treatment is the right choice for you.

How much does Mounjaro cost?

Mounjaro is a medication option offered in the Juniper Programme, starting from £199 monthly.

‍

With the Juniper Programme, you can access weight loss medication tailored to your health and goals — never one-size-fits-all. Our app helps you track progress, connect with your care team, adjust medication as needed, and access expert support. You'll also get structured tools to build lasting habits and ongoing care.

We help you make lifestyle and habit changes, and we’re in it with you for the long run, having helped thousands of women achieve their weight loss goals.

Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS?

Yes, Mounjaro is available on the NHS for weight loss and can now be obtained at GP surgeries in England. Previously, only Wegovy and Saxeda were available on the NHS, these could only be accessed with a referral to an NHS specialist weight management service.  

It’s important to note that while GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro, access is extremely limited and the eligibility criteria are incredibly strict. As such, officials are asking people not to approach their GPs about the weight loss medication unless they meet the following criteria:

Year 1

• BMI ≥ 40 (or ≥ 37.5 for some ethnic groups)
• 4 or more weight-related comorbidities (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)‍

‍Year 2

• BMI 35 to 39.9
• Still requires 4 or more co-morbidities‍

‍‍Year 3

• BMI ≥ 40
• 3 or more co-morbidities

This staged approach will reach 220,000 patients across the first three years. A full rollout is planned over 8 further years, eventually covering patients with a BMI ≥ 35 and at least one comorbidity.

Where can I buy Mounjaro in the UK?

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are available via the Juniper Programme, allowing you to choose which medication — either GIP and GLP-1 with Mounjaro, or GLP-1 with Wegovy — in conjunction with your doctor. For those looking to start their weight loss journey, support is critical from clinical experts and treatment programmes.

Offering a medical approach to losing weight that sees the average patient lose up to 20% of their body weight in one year, the Juniper Programme is tailored to you. Designed by clinicians and dietitians, our programme works to effectively suppress appetite and improve metabolic function.

Consider it a new era in weight loss, one that understands it's never about just the number on the scale but the confidence, energy and control you feel, too.

‍

Photo credit: Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels