An estimated 1.5 million are taking weight loss jabs in the UK. Now, more people could be able to get these injections from their GP on prescription if they meet certain criteria.
Tirzepatide (more commonly known as Mounjaro) is a weight loss medicine that makes you feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. According to the NHS, the drug is designed to “mimic gut hormones released by the body after eating.”
This tricks your brain into thinking that you are full and will also “slow down the time it takes the stomach to empty.” Results can vary based on factors like metabolism, adherence to diet, and starting weight – but most people notice changes within the first few weeks.
From March 2025, people could be prescribed Mounjaro to manage weight – but only if it is prescribed by a specialist weight management service. From this summer, it is now going to be available from primary care specialists, such as GPs.
This will be a phased rollout, starting with those with the highest clinical need. The programme will take three years, roughly, to be fully in place. This means some NHS patients may be eligible this month in 2025 whilst others may not be given the green light until 2026, 2027 or 2028.
What health conditions will be considered for Mounjaro?
The NHS issued a list of weight-related health conditions that will be used to define those who are eligible for the weight loss jabs. These include:
- type 2 diabetes mellitus
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep)
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
ITV This Morning’s Dr Zoe mentioned that high cholesterol or triglyceride count as ‘elevated lipids’ or ‘abnormal blood fats’. On top of this, BMI is considered alongside the various medical conditions.
What stages will the NHS rollout the drug in?
The staggered approach to introducing Mounjaro in primary care will be delivered in blocks to “manage the flow of patients” and avoid NHS England from becoming “overwhelmed.” A spokesperson added: “This approach will ensure the service is delivered safely and that the NHS in England is able to plan for an increase in service demand, whilst building specific skills and knowledge within the workforce.”
People will be categorised into three groups and this will determine when the NHS is able to offer Mounjaro, if appropriate. These are:
- Cohort 1: Will start in June 2025. At least 4 of the 5 listed health conditions plus a BMI of at least 40 (adjusted for ethnicity).
- Cohort 2: In addition to the patients in Group 1, access to the drug will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria in year 2. At least 4 of the 5 listed health condition plus a BMI of 35 to 39.9 (adjusted for ethnicity).
- Cohort 3: In addition to patients in Cohorts 1 and 2, access to the drug will also be offered to patients meeting the following criteria in year 3. At least 3 of the 5 listed health conditions and a BMI of at least 40 (adjusted for ethnicity).
How much will NHS Mounjaro jabs cost?
For those eligible on the NHS, the cost of Mounjaro is the standard NHS prescription charge, currently £9.90 per item. For individuals not eligible for NHS prescriptions, private prescriptions for Mounjaro can range from £220 to £300 per month, according to Superdrug Online Doctor.
Are there any side effects to taking Mounjaro?
Like all medications, the NHS shared that Mounjaro can have side effects that should be discussed with healthcare professionals before starting the treatment. Common side effects include feeling sick, indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea.
There can be some more serious side effects, such as low blood sugar and gallstones. People have also reported inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
For more information, you can find some details and other commonly asked questions on the NHS website here.
