Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight management, is a once-weekly injectable medication licensed by the MHRA for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. Private weight loss services such as Live Well Weight Loss offer access to tirzepatide for patients who do not meet NHS criteria or face lengthy waiting times. Understanding the costs, package inclusions, and clinical support provided by private services is essential when considering this treatment option. This article examines tirzepatide pricing through Live Well Weight Loss services, what's included in treatment packages, and how private provision compares to NHS pathways.
Summary: Tirzepatide through Live Well Weight Loss and similar private UK services typically costs £150–£300 per month, with pricing varying by dose level, package inclusions, and clinical support provided.
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication available in the UK for weight management as the brand Zepbound and for type 2 diabetes as Mounjaro. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has licensed Zepbound specifically for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. Tirzepatide has demonstrated significant weight loss efficacy in clinical trials, leading to its approval for chronic weight management.
The medication works through a dual mechanism of action by mimicking two naturally occurring hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These incretin hormones regulate appetite, food intake, and glucose metabolism. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide enhances insulin secretion when blood glucose is elevated, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite through central nervous system pathways. This multifaceted approach helps patients achieve sustained caloric reduction and weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Clinical trial data from the SURMOUNT programme showed that participants using tirzepatide alongside lifestyle modifications achieved average weight reductions of 15–22% of their initial body weight over 72 weeks, with results varying by dose and whether participants had diabetes. The highest weight loss was typically seen with the 15mg dose in non-diabetic populations.
Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, which typically diminish over time as the body adjusts to treatment. More serious potential side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, dehydration leading to acute kidney injury, and hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should seek urgent medical attention for severe persistent abdominal pain (with or without vomiting), signs of gallstones, inability to keep fluids down, or allergic reactions.
Tirzepatide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly, with doses gradually titrated upward (starting at 2.5mg, then increasing to 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg at minimum 4-week intervals) to improve tolerability. Patients should not increase their dose if side effects are not tolerated.
Importantly, tirzepatide can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Women of childbearing potential should use additional non-oral/barrier contraception for 4 weeks after starting treatment and after each dose increase. The medication is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Access to weight management medications in the UK varies significantly between NHS and private healthcare pathways. Understanding these differences is essential for patients considering tirzepatide treatment.
NHS provision of weight loss medications, including tirzepatide (Zepbound), is governed by eligibility criteria established by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). When NICE finalises its guidance on tirzepatide for weight management, NHS services will be legally required to fund it within 3 months for eligible patients, subject to service capacity and medication supply.
NHS eligibility typically requires:
Treatment within a specialist weight management service (tier 3)
A body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥30 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity)
Lower BMI thresholds may apply for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Caribbean family background
Demonstrated commitment to lifestyle modification
Even when clinically eligible, access may be affected by specialist service waiting times and capacity constraints rather than formulary restrictions.
Private weight loss services, such as Live Well Weight Loss, offer an alternative pathway for patients who do not meet NHS criteria, face lengthy waiting times, or prefer more flexible treatment options. Private providers typically conduct comprehensive medical assessments to ensure suitability and safety, including review of medical history, current medications, pregnancy status, and contraindications.
Key advantages of private treatment include faster access, more personalised care pathways, and ongoing clinical support throughout the treatment journey. However, patients must bear the full cost of medication and associated services. It is important to verify that any private provider operates under appropriate clinical governance, with prescribing undertaken by registered healthcare professionals (doctors, nurse or pharmacist independent prescribers) and services regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) where applicable.
If Mounjaro (the diabetes-licensed brand of tirzepatide) is prescribed for weight management through private services, this represents off-label use and requires documented informed consent.
Private weight management services such as Live Well Weight Loss typically structure tirzepatide treatment as comprehensive care packages rather than simply dispensing medication. Understanding what is included helps patients evaluate the overall value and clinical support provided.
Most private weight loss programmes include several core components:
Initial medical consultation and assessment: A thorough evaluation by a qualified prescriber to review medical history, assess eligibility, screen for contraindications, and discuss treatment goals. This consultation should include measurement of baseline weight, BMI, blood pressure, and relevant metabolic parameters. Comprehensive assessments should also include screening for pregnancy where relevant, eating disorders, renal function, HbA1c (especially if diabetic or at risk), lipid profile, thyroid function, gallbladder/pancreatitis history, and potential drug interactions.
Prescription and medication supply: Once deemed suitable, patients receive a prescription for tirzepatide with the appropriate starting dose (2.5 mg weekly). The medication is usually supplied directly to the patient's home via registered pharmacy services, ensuring convenience and discretion.
Dose titration and monitoring: Tirzepatide requires gradual dose escalation (from 2.5mg to 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and potentially 15mg) at minimum 4-week intervals to minimise gastrointestinal side effects and optimise efficacy. Patients should not increase their dose if side effects persist. Comprehensive packages include regular clinical reviews to monitor progress, adjust dosing, assess tolerability, and provide ongoing support. These reviews may be conducted via video consultation, telephone, or face-to-face appointments.
Patient education: This should include injection technique training, safe sharps disposal guidance, and advice on managing side effects, including 'sick day rules' with hydration recommendations to prevent dehydration and acute kidney injury.
Lifestyle and nutritional guidance: Evidence-based weight management requires more than medication alone. Quality programmes incorporate dietary advice, physical activity recommendations, and behavioural support to maximise outcomes and promote sustainable lifestyle changes.
Ongoing clinical support: Access to healthcare professionals for questions, concerns, or management of adverse effects throughout the treatment period. This continuity of care is essential for patient safety and treatment adherence.
Patients should carefully review what is included in any package and ensure the provider offers genuine clinical oversight rather than simply functioning as a prescription service.
The cost of tirzepatide through private weight loss services varies depending on the provider, package structure, and level of clinical support included. Understanding the pricing model helps patients budget appropriately for treatment.
Example monthly costs for tirzepatide through private UK providers may range from approximately £150 to £300 per month, though prices vary widely. Patients should verify exactly what this includes, as some services price medication separately from consultations and support. Costs may differ between Mounjaro (licensed for diabetes) and Zepbound (licensed for weight management), even though both contain tirzepatide.
Some providers offer subscription models with monthly payments, while others may require upfront payment for multi-month packages.
Tirzepatide treatment continues as long as it remains clinically beneficial and safe, with treatment duration guided by individual response and tolerability. NHS services may apply specific duration limits based on NICE guidance when finalised.
Factors influencing cost include:
Dose level: As treatment progresses and doses are titrated upward (from 2.5 mg to maintenance doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly), medication costs may increase accordingly
Package inclusions: More comprehensive programmes with enhanced nutritional support, frequent consultations, or additional services typically command higher fees
Provider clinical governance: Services with robust medical oversight may have different pricing structures reflecting their standards of care
Patients should be cautious of significantly cheaper options that may compromise on clinical safety, use unregulated supply chains, or lack appropriate medical supervision. Always verify that the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) where applicable, that prescribers are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), and that medications are dispensed from GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Some private health insurance policies may cover weight management services, though coverage for medications like tirzepatide remains uncommon. Patients should check their policy terms or contact their insurer directly to explore potential reimbursement options.
If you experience side effects from tirzepatide, report them to your healthcare provider and consider reporting them through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).
Tirzepatide through private UK services like Live Well Weight Loss typically costs £150–£300 per month, depending on dose level, package inclusions, and clinical support provided. Patients should verify exactly what is included in the price, as some services charge separately for consultations and medication.
Comprehensive packages should include initial medical assessment, prescription and medication supply, dose titration and monitoring, injection technique training, lifestyle and nutritional guidance, and ongoing clinical support from registered healthcare professionals throughout treatment.
NHS provision of tirzepatide for weight management requires referral to a specialist weight management service and meeting specific BMI criteria (typically ≥35 kg/m² or ≥30 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities). Access depends on NICE guidance, local service capacity, and medication supply availability.
The health-related content published on this site is based on credible scientific sources and is periodically reviewed to ensure accuracy and relevance. Although we aim to reflect the most current medical knowledge, the material is meant for general education and awareness only.
The information on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health concerns, please speak with a qualified medical professional. By using this information, you acknowledge responsibility for any decisions made and understand we are not liable for any consequences that may result.
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Phuong Nguyen (2204151)
Bolt Healthcare Ltd
hello@boltpharmacy.co.uk
Bolt Pharmacy, Unit A3 Challenge Court Blakewater Road, Blackburn BB1 5EU
