Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a weekly injectable prescription-only medication for the treatment of obesity. It mimics natural hormones in the gut to help regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and support weight loss. The drug is also licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In the UK, Mounjaro is now available for weight management either on the NHS (for eligible patients) or privately through regulated pharmacies. This page outlines the eligibility criteria, how you can access it via your GP, and where to get Mounjaro privately or online.
Learn more about new obesity treatments and weight loss medications in our dedicated guides.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) eligibility criteria in the UK
Can I get Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on the NHS?
Yes, but eligibility is currently limited and determined by strict criteria under a phased rollout by NHS England.
As of 23 June 2025, GPs can prescribe Mounjaro to adults in Cohort 1, defined as:
- BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² (or ≥ 37.5 kg/m² for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or Afro-Caribbean ethnicity)
- At least 4 of the following 5 obesity-related health conditions:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Why is NHS access limited to Cohort 1?
To manage the high cost of Mounjaro, the drug is being made available to NHS patients in a phased rollout. Only individuals with the highest clinical need are eligible for the treatment. The initial rollout targets approximately 220,000 people over 3 years.
Can I get Mounjaro privately?
Yes. Private pharmacies in the UK offer Mounjaro for eligible individuals who do not meet NHS criteria.
To access Mounjaro privately:
- You must usually be aged 18 or over.
- You will need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health issues.
- A health assessment will be carried out by the pharmacy provider.
How and where can I get Mounjaro?
Access to Mounjaro on the NHS varies across the UK. In the first phase of the rollout, Mounjaro is available through weight management services and GPs on the NHS in England. In Wales, Mounjaro can only be prescribed via specialist weight management services. Scotland offers the drug through both primary care and specialist weight management services, with specific criteria set by each health board. Currently (as of November 2025), the drug is not available on the NHS in Northern Ireland, but this is expected to change in 2026.
How can I get Mounjaro from my GP?
If you believe you meet the NHS eligibility criteria, speak to your GP. Here’s how the process works:
- Eligibility check: Your GP will confirm your BMI and comorbidities.
- Prescription: Mounjaro is prescribed as a weekly injection, starting at 2.5mg, gradually increasing.
- Wraparound support: Includes:
- Nutrition and diet guidance
- Physical activity plans
- Behavioural support (minimum 9 months)
- Monitoring:
- Monthly reviews during the early phase
- Ongoing follow-up thereafter
- Treatment review: At 6 months, you must have lost at least 5% of your starting weight to continue treatment. This is because if you are not achieving weight loss, it means the medication is not working for you, it does not mean you have failed.
Can I get Mounjaro online?
Yes, you can access Mounjaro through regulated online pharmacies in the UK.
Before purchasing:
- Ensure the provider is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or Care Quality Commission (CQC). These bodies regulate pharmacies in the UK, ensuring they meet specific standards. Look out for these logos:
- You will be required to complete a health questionnaire to assess your suitability. This is a standard practice to ensure patient safety.
- Check if the pharmacy’s website is secure. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection. Without this, you could risk identity theft, fraud, or your medical data being compromised.
- The pharmacy should provide clear contact details, including a physical address and a phone number. Be cautious if this information is missing or unclear.
- Be wary of pharmacies offering medications at significantly lower prices than others. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
References
- NHS England: Implementation of NICE TA1026 for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- NHS England: Medicines for obesity
- Focus On: Tirzepatide for Weight Management in General Practice (2025)
- Senedd Research: What next for weight-loss medication in Wales?
- HSCNI Formulary: Managed Entry Decisions
- BBC News: Coverage on weight-loss medication
- NHS Scotland: Consensus Statement on Weight Management