Requesting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in the UK requires understanding eligibility criteria, navigating NHS or private pathways, and having an informed conversation with your GP or specialist. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Whilst the medication is MHRA-approved, NHS access is governed by NICE guidance, which sets stricter criteria than the licensed indication—particularly for weight management, where specialist referral is typically required. Private prescriptions offer an alternative route but require careful selection of regulated providers. This guide explains how to approach your clinician, what to expect during assessment, and how to access Mounjaro safely and appropriately.

What Is Mounjaro and Who Can Use It in the UK?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable medication licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and, more recently, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. It belongs to a novel class of medicines known as dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. By mimicking the action of these naturally occurring incretin hormones, Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite—leading to improved glycaemic control and significant weight loss.

In the UK, Mounjaro is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). While the medication is licensed for use in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (or 27 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has more restrictive criteria for NHS-funded treatment, typically requiring specialist services for weight management.

Who can use Mounjaro? The medication is intended for adults aged 18 and over. It is not suitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or those with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Mounjaro, and it should be discontinued at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy. Caution is needed in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy, or renal impairment.

Tirzepatide can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so additional or alternative contraception is recommended for 4 weeks after starting treatment and after each dose increase. A thorough medical assessment by a healthcare professional is essential to determine suitability, taking into account your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals.

Eligibility Criteria for Mounjaro Prescriptions

Eligibility for a Mounjaro prescription in the UK depends on the indication for which it is being considered—either type 2 diabetes management or weight management—and whether you are seeking treatment via the NHS or privately.

For type 2 diabetes, NICE recommends Mounjaro as a treatment option for adults when:

• Other treatments have not provided adequate glycaemic control and a GLP-1 receptor agonist would otherwise be considered

• It is typically considered after inadequate control with metformin and other oral glucose-lowering drugs

• The person has a high BMI and would benefit from weight loss

Your clinician will assess your current diabetes control, previous treatments tried, and any contraindications before recommending Mounjaro. If you are already taking insulin or sulfonylureas, these doses may need to be reduced when starting tirzepatide to avoid hypoglycaemia.

For weight management via the NHS, eligibility is more restrictive than the licensed indication and typically requires:

• Referral to a specialist weight management service

• Meeting specific BMI thresholds as defined in the NICE technology appraisal

• Previous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss with lifestyle interventions

Importantly, NICE guidance includes stopping rules for weight management—treatment should be discontinued if a specified percentage of weight loss is not achieved by a defined timepoint. NHS-funded treatment emphasises that pharmacological weight management should be part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes ongoing dietary advice, physical activity support, and psychological input where appropriate.

Private prescribers may follow the broader licensed indication criteria (BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities), but responsible clinics will still conduct a full medical assessment, including review of your weight history, comorbidities, and any contraindications, before prescribing Mounjaro.

How to Request Mounjaro from Your GP or Specialist

Requesting Mounjaro begins with an open and informed conversation with your GP or specialist. Preparation is key: before your appointment, gather relevant information about your medical history, current medications, previous weight loss or diabetes management attempts, and any documented comorbidities. Being clear about your treatment goals and realistic expectations will help guide the discussion.

Start by booking a consultation with your GP, practice nurse, or diabetes specialist nurse if you have type 2 diabetes. Explain your interest in Mounjaro, referencing your current treatment regimen and why you feel it may be appropriate. For example, you might say: "I've been managing my type 2 diabetes with metformin and gliclazide, but my HbA1c remains above target. I've read that Mounjaro may help with both blood sugar control and weight loss—could we discuss whether it might be suitable for me?"

Your clinician will review your clinical records, including recent blood tests (HbA1c, renal function, lipid profile), blood pressure, and weight trends. They will assess whether you meet NICE eligibility criteria and whether Mounjaro is likely to be more beneficial than alternative treatments. If you are seeking Mounjaro primarily for weight management, your GP may refer you to a specialist weight management service or an endocrinologist, particularly if your case is complex or if local NHS pathways require specialist initiation.

Be prepared for a thorough discussion about:

• The mechanism of action and expected benefits

• Potential side effects, most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, which are usually mild to moderate and diminish over time

• The need for dose titration (starting at a low dose and increasing every 4 weeks to the lowest effective dose)

• Monitoring requirements, including regular follow-up to assess response, tolerability, and any adverse effects

• Lifestyle modifications that must accompany pharmacotherapy

• Practical aspects such as injection technique, storage requirements (refrigeration until first use), and safe sharps disposal

If your GP is unable to prescribe Mounjaro directly—due to local formulary restrictions or lack of familiarity—they can refer you to secondary care or a specialist service. Be aware that current supply constraints may affect availability. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of pancreatitis, gallbladder symptoms, dehydration, or visual changes, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

NHS vs Private Prescriptions: Your Options for Mounjaro

Understanding the difference between NHS and private routes to obtaining Mounjaro is essential, as availability, cost, and eligibility criteria vary significantly.

NHS prescriptions for Mounjaro are governed by NICE guidance and local formulary decisions. If you meet the eligibility criteria for type 2 diabetes or weight management, and your GP or specialist agrees that Mounjaro is clinically appropriate, you may be able to access it via the NHS. However, availability can be limited by local commissioning decisions, and some areas may have restricted access due to budget constraints, prioritisation of other treatments, or current supply constraints. Prescription charges apply in England (see the NHS Business Services Authority website for current charges, or free if you qualify for exemption), though the medication itself is funded by the NHS. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free at the point of delivery.

It is important to note that NHS access for weight management is more restricted than for diabetes, with most areas requiring referral to specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services. Waiting times for these services can be considerable, and treatment must follow NICE guidance including specific stopping rules if adequate weight loss is not achieved. Always check with your GP or local integrated care board (ICB) about current availability.

Private prescriptions offer an alternative route, particularly if you do not meet NHS criteria, face long waiting times, or prefer faster access. Numerous private clinics and online services now offer Mounjaro prescriptions following remote or in-person consultations. Costs vary widely but typically include:

• Consultation fees

• Medication costs (which vary by dose and provider)

While private access is more flexible, it is crucial to choose a regulated provider. Ensure the prescriber is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), that the service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England (or equivalent bodies in other UK nations), and that the medication is sourced from a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered UK pharmacy. Avoid unregulated online suppliers, as counterfeit or substandard products pose serious health risks.

Whether accessing Mounjaro via the NHS or privately, ongoing monitoring and support are essential. Regular follow-up appointments to assess efficacy, tolerability, and any adverse effects should be part of your treatment plan. If you experience side effects, report them to your healthcare provider and consider using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme to report suspected adverse reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions