Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) are both once-weekly injectable medications licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Understanding the cost differences between these treatments is crucial for patients and healthcare providers making informed decisions. Private prescription costs for both medications typically range from £189–£299 per month, with annual expenditure reaching £2,300–£3,600 depending on dose and provider. NHS availability remains extremely limited, with strict eligibility criteria and substantial waiting times. This article examines the comparative costs, NHS access pathways, private prescription options, insurance coverage, and overall value considerations for both medications.

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: UK Price Comparison

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) are both injectable medications licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Understanding their cost differences is essential for patients and healthcare providers making treatment decisions.

In the UK private market (as of mid-2024), Wegovy typically costs between £199–£299 per month depending on the dose and supplier. The medication is administered once weekly via pre-filled pens, with doses ranging from 0.25 mg (starter dose) up to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Maintenance doses are typically at the higher end of the price range. The total cost over a 12-month treatment course can therefore range from approximately £2,400–£3,600.

Mounjaro pricing in the UK generally falls within a similar range, typically £189–£229 per month for initial doses, with higher maintenance doses (10-15 mg) potentially costing more. Like Wegovy, Mounjaro is administered once weekly, with doses escalating from 2.5 mg to a maximum of 15 mg as per the Summary of Product Characteristics. Annual private costs for Mounjaro may range from approximately £2,300–£3,000, though prices vary considerably between providers.

Both medications require ongoing treatment to maintain weight loss, meaning these costs represent long-term financial commitments. Price variations depend on several factors including the prescribing clinic, whether initial consultations and follow-up appointments are included, and any promotional offers. Patients should request transparent pricing that includes all associated costs—medication, consultations, and monitoring—before commencing treatment. Neither medication is available over-the-counter; both require prescription and medical supervision throughout the treatment period.

NHS Availability and Prescription Criteria

Access to Mounjaro and Wegovy through the NHS is currently limited and subject to strict eligibility criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). As of 2024, availability varies significantly across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland due to differing formulary decisions and commissioning arrangements.

Wegovy received NICE approval in March 2023 (TA875) for use within specialist weight management services (Tier 3 or 4) for a maximum treatment duration of 2 years. However, NHS England initially restricted its rollout due to global supply constraints. NICE recommends Wegovy for adults with:

• BMI ≥35 kg/m², or

• BMI ≥30 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease)

• Participation in a specialist weight management programme

Some local NHS pathways may include stopping rules based on weight loss targets, in line with the Summary of Product Characteristics. Access remains limited, with many NHS areas maintaining waiting lists or restricting prescribing to specific patient groups.

Mounjaro received UK marketing authorisation for weight management in 2024. NICE guidance for its use in obesity is under development, though it is already approved for type 2 diabetes management. NHS availability for weight management specifically remains extremely limited, with most areas not yet commissioning it for this indication.

Patients seeking NHS-funded treatment should:

• Discuss eligibility with their GP, who can refer to specialist weight management services

• Understand that waiting times may be substantial (often 6–12 months or longer)

• Be prepared to engage with comprehensive lifestyle modification programmes as part of any NHS-funded treatment

The reality is that most patients currently access these medications through private prescription due to limited NHS availability.

Private Prescription Costs in the UK

Private prescription represents the primary access route for most UK patients seeking Mounjaro or Wegovy. Understanding the full cost structure is essential, as the medication price alone does not reflect total expenditure.

Initial consultation fees with private prescribers typically range from £50–£150. Many online prescribing services include this in their first-month package, whilst traditional private clinics may charge separately. These consultations involve medical history review, eligibility assessment, and baseline measurements (weight, BMI, blood pressure). Some providers may require blood tests such as HbA1c and renal function, potentially adding £50–£200 depending on the panel requested.

Monthly medication costs vary by provider:

• Online prescribing services: Often offer competitive pricing (£189–£249/month) with medication delivered directly to patients

• Private GP clinics: May charge £220–£299/month, sometimes including follow-up consultations

• Specialist weight management clinics: Typically £250–£350/month, often incorporating dietetic support and regular monitoring

Follow-up appointments are medically necessary to monitor efficacy, side effects, and dose titration. These may be:

• Included in monthly subscription models (increasingly common)

• Charged separately at £40–£100 per consultation (typically monthly initially, then every 2–3 months)

Additional considerations include:

• Sharps bins for safe needle disposal (£5–£15), with disposal according to local council arrangements

• Potential costs for managing side effects

• Travel to clinics if not using remote services

Total first-year costs realistically range from £2,500–£4,200 depending on the provider model chosen and dose progression. Patients should verify whether quoted prices include consultations, dose escalation, and ongoing monitoring. Reputable providers offer transparent pricing structures and do not require long-term contracts, allowing patients to discontinue if the medication proves unsuitable or unaffordable.

Patients should report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Options

Private medical insurance coverage for weight management medications in the UK remains limited and variable. Most standard policies exclude obesity treatment, considering it a lifestyle-related condition rather than acute illness. However, the landscape is gradually evolving as evidence for the medical benefits of these medications strengthens.

Private medical insurance (PMI) policies typically:

• Exclude weight management medications from standard coverage

• May cover treatment if obesity is secondary to another covered condition (e.g., hypothyroidism)

• Might fund specialist consultations and investigations, but not the medication itself

• Require pre-authorisation for any potential coverage

Patients with PMI should:

• Review their policy documents carefully, specifically checking exclusions

• Contact their insurer before commencing treatment to clarify coverage

• Request written confirmation of any agreed coverage to avoid unexpected costs

Some corporate health insurance schemes may include weight management programmes, though coverage varies significantly between policies. Patients should check their specific policy details rather than assuming coverage.

Health cash plans (such as those offered by Benenden Health, Health Shield, or Medicash) generally do not cover prescription medications but may contribute towards:

• Dietetic consultations (typically £50–£100 per year)

• Health screening and blood tests

For patients with type 2 diabetes, insurance coverage may differ. If Mounjaro is prescribed primarily for diabetes management (its original licensed indication), some insurers may provide coverage under diabetes treatment provisions. This requires clear documentation from the prescribing physician regarding the primary indication, and patients should verify coverage directly with their insurer.

Self-funded payment plans are offered by some private providers, allowing costs to be spread monthly rather than paid upfront, though these do not reduce the total expenditure.

Cost-Effectiveness: Which Offers Better Value?

Determining cost-effectiveness between Mounjaro and Wegovy requires consideration beyond simple price comparison, encompassing clinical efficacy, tolerability, and individual patient factors.

Clinical efficacy data from trials suggest:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) demonstrated weight loss of approximately 15–22% of body weight in the SURMOUNT-1 trial, depending on dose

• Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) achieved average weight loss of 12–15% of body weight in the STEP-1 trial

• The head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial showed tirzepatide achieved greater weight loss than semaglutide

• Both medications significantly outperform placebo and lifestyle modification alone

From a cost-per-kilogram lost perspective, Mounjaro may offer marginally better value given its enhanced efficacy at comparable cost. However, this calculation oversimplifies the decision, as individual response varies considerably.

Tolerability and adherence significantly impact real-world cost-effectiveness:

• Both medications cause gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), typically worse during dose escalation

• Discontinuation rates in clinical trials range from approximately 5–7% due to adverse effects, varying by dose

• Patients who cannot tolerate a medication derive no value regardless of its theoretical efficacy

Practical considerations affecting value include:

• Availability: Wegovy has experienced supply issues in the UK, potentially causing treatment interruptions

• Dose flexibility: Mounjaro offers more dose options (six doses vs. five for Wegovy), potentially allowing better individualisation

• Injection experience: Both use similar pre-filled pen devices; patient preference is typically neutral

Long-term value depends on:

• Weight maintenance: Both medications require ongoing use; weight regain occurs after discontinuation

• Cardiovascular benefits: Wegovy has demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the SELECT trial; similar data for Mounjaro in obesity is still emerging

• Comorbidity improvement: Both improve markers of metabolic health (HbA1c, blood pressure, lipids)

NICE has determined that Wegovy is cost-effective within specialist weight management services compared to standard care, but has not directly compared it with bariatric surgery or with Mounjaro for obesity management. Bariatric surgery remains highly cost-effective for eligible patients.

Ultimately, individual response determines true value. Patients should discuss with their prescriber which medication best suits their medical history, comorbidities, and treatment goals, recognising that the 'best value' option is the one that proves both effective and tolerable for that individual.

Frequently Asked Questions