Can you get Mounjaro on the NHS for weight loss?

Modern treatments, such as Mounjaro, have revolutionised the way we manage weight loss. For those who feel like they’ve tried every fad diet, with little success, these medications can offer renewed hope. 

When used in conjunction with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes, Mounjaro can help you lose weight by reducing appetite, dulling cravings and helping you feel fuller for longer. 

Although, accessing a medication like Mounjaro comes with eligibility criteria and isn’t available over-the-counter. So, who is actually eligible to use this weight loss injection, and is Mounjaro available on the NHS?

Mounjaro and weight loss

Let’s start by looking at how Mounjaro works for weight loss. Mounjaro contains the combined action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists. 

The active ingredient in Mounjaro, called tirzepatide, is the first dual-action medication of its kind, and according to clinical trials, is the most effective weight loss treatment currently available, with an average of 20.9% body weight loss [1][2].

Mounjaro works differently from other GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy, as it activates both GLP-1 and GIP rather than just the former. This makes it more effective at promoting weight loss through decreased appetite, as well as directly impacting the pathways that lead to fat loss.

To simplify this, Mounjaro helps reduce your appetite, makes you feel fuller for longer, assists with turning down cravings, helps improve blood glucose levels and stimulates the breakdown of fat. 

Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS for weight loss?

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, however 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 is incredibly strict. As such, officials are asking people to not approach their GPs about the weight loss medication unless they meet the criteria. 

While broad access is expected to expand over the next few years, most people won’t be eligible just yet. 

Mounjaro NHS criteria 

To be eligible to receive Mounjaro from a GP or community clinic, the person must have:

• a BMI of 40 or over (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background);
• and have 4 out of 5 of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholestrol and obstructive sleep apnoea

Those who meet these requirements will also receive increased care alongside the medication, including regular check-ups, nutrition advice and exercise support. 

Although, Mounjaro prescriptions won’t be available at all local GP surgeries and may still need to be obtained by other primary care services. 

Can I get Mounjaro from my pharmacy?

You can get Mounjaro from a pharmacy, but only with a valid prescription. If you're eligible through the NHS, it can be dispensed at a standard prescription cost. 

Otherwise, you’ll need a private prescription, with prices typically ranging from £160 to £180 per month. 

Where else is Mounjaro available?

For those who aren’t able to access Mounjaro on the NHS, there is another avenue that combines clinically backed treatments and long-term strategies to help you keep the weight off. 

Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme provides a holistic approach to weight loss, pairing medications with habits to create lasting change. Research shows that without sufficient lifestyle change, some people gain back the weight after they stop taking weight loss medications [3].

Mounjaro is a medication option offered as part of Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme, which also has eligibility requirements. Your clinician will go through your full medical history to assess your eligibility for the programme. A number of factors are considered, including BMI, and can vary based on family background and comorbidities.

However, the MHRA’s marketing authorisation allows for a broader range of eligibility through private providers like Juniper. This includes individuals with a BMI of 27 or above if they have a weight-related health condition, or a BMI of 30 or above without any additional conditions.

If eligible for the Weight Reset Programme, you’ll receive groundbreaking weight loss treatments, alongside unlimited consultations with your prescriber to adjust dosage at any point and unlimited access to your personal dietitian who is there to support you one meal at a time.

Plus members also get access to Juniper’s lifestyle app, where you can track your weight, unlock recipes, and follow a strength and nutrition programme designed to maintain muscle during rapid weight loss.

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Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are regarded as the gold standard when it comes to aiding weight loss efforts. While these medications have not yet been directly compared in clinical trials, current research suggests that Wegovy leads to an average weight loss of 15%, while Mounjaro achieves around 20% [4]. 

Despite this difference, Wegovy remains a highly effective weight loss treatment and one we prescribe at Juniper.