Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been a game-changer in helping people achieve significant and sustained weight loss.
Since its introduction, it has transformed weight-management treatment options in the UK, with an estimated 1.5 million people currently using Mounjaro to support their weight-loss journey.
In this article, we explain who can get Mounjaro on the NHS, when it became available, and what to do if you do not qualify under the NHS criteria.
You are eligible to get Mounjaro on the NHS if you are over the age of 18, have a BMI of 40 kg/m² or above and have all the following health conditions:
A lower BMI threshold of 37.5 kg/m² is used for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds.
If you are prescribed Mounjaro by your GP, they will be required to provide additional wraparound care.
This is additional support which incorporates diet and nutritional advice, guidance on physical activity, and behavioural support for the first 9 months.
Note: NHS access to Mounjaro is currently limited by strict eligibility criteria. However, Mounjaro is licensed for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27–30 kg/m² if accompanied by weight-related conditions such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease. If you meet the product license criteria but not the NHS requirements, you can access Mounjaro through a private, regulated service.
Yes, your GP can prescribe Mounjaro, but only if you meet the NHS eligibility criteria for treatment, which focus on BMI and certain health conditions.
If you believe you’re a candidate for Mounjaro, here’s how to approach your GP:
The NHS will be taking a phased approach over the next 3 years.
Each year, the Mounjaro NHS criteria will be lowered.
This will make weight loss injections more accessible to those at risk of obesity related disease.
| Year | Eligibility | Conditions Included | BMI Criteria* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (2025/26) | 4 or more qualifying conditions |
|
≥ 40 |
| Year 2 (2026/27) | 4 or more qualifying conditions |
|
35 – 39.9 |
| Year 2–3 (2026–2027/28) |
3 qualifying conditions |
|
≥ 40 |
*A lower BMI threshold (usually reduced by 2.5 kg/m2) for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds
Following this initial period, NICE will review the programme to determine whether Mounjaro should be made available to a broader population living with obesity.
It’s estimated that full NHS access could take up to 12 years, potentially covering around 3.4 million people.
Mounjaro became available through NHS weight management services in March 2025.
In June 2025, GPs were able to prescribe Mounjaro to those who met the criteria.
If you are not eligible to get Mounjaro on the NHS, it is possible to access Mounjaro through a private prescription service.
Through an online consultation with a registered pharmacist or doctor, you can obtain a prescription safely and conveniently. A qualified healthcare professional will assess your medical history, weight, and current medications to ensure Mounjaro is appropriate for you.
A private prescription offers quicker access and greater flexibility compared to NHS treatment. It also provides a more personalised approach as your prescriber will review your health background, discuss suitable options, and tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs.
Safe, discreet delivery is available through our fully regulated pharmacy service.
Many of the healthcare professionals who prescribe Mounjaro privately also work within the NHS. This means the standard of care you receive should be consistent across both settings.
In fact, private services often offer a more streamlined and responsive experience, as they are not affected by the same resource pressures as the NHS. Follow-up advice and queries are usually handled promptly, ensuring you receive ongoing support throughout your treatment.
When choosing a private provider, it’s important to ensure they are UK-registered and provide ongoing clinical support after prescribing.
Avoid purchasing Mounjaro from unregulated websites or overseas sellers; these sources may supply unsafe or counterfeit medication, which can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Further reading: Is Mounjaro safe?
If you are considering Mounjaro, start by checking your BMI and reviewing any health conditions that may affect your eligibility.
If you don’t currently meet the NHS criteria, you can still access Mounjaro through a private prescription service.
Remember, while NHS access remains limited, Mounjaro is licensed for adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27–30 kg/m² if you have weight-related conditions such as: pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart problems.
If you decide to proceed with treatment, make sure your provider is fully regulated and offers safe, ongoing support throughout your journey.
If you’re prescribed Mounjaro on the NHS and not eligible for free prescriptions, you’ll need to pay the standard NHS prescription charge of £9.90 per item.
If NHS prescriptions are free for you, you will not pay anything for Mounjaro if prescribed under the NHS.
No, Mounjaro is classified as a high-risk medication and all private providers in the UK are legally required to inform your doctor.
Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.