Good news for obese patients: Mounjaro weight-loss jabs prescribed to over a million NHS patients for first time
Mounjaro – the most effective injection on the market – will be available to 1.6m people.
Understand the latest NHS policy on Mounjaro, access pathways, price comparisons, and cost-saving techniques.
Mounjaro background
Mounjaro is a weekly injection that helps people lose weight. It works by copying two natural hormones in the body that help control hunger and blood sugar. Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes, and to help with weight loss and weight maintenance.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS?
The NHS has established strict eligibility criteria prioritising patients with the greatest clinical need:
🔹BMI exceeding 35 alongside at least one obesity-related health condition (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, or prediabetes)
🔹An estimated 3.4 million people meet these criteria in England, though initial access will be limited to fewer than 10% of eligible patients during the rollout’s first phase
🔹Patients must commit to concurrent lifestyle changes, including reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity
Who will get it first from their GP?
Access follows a staggered 3-year prioritisation plan:
🔸Specialist weight management service patients: Will receive prescriptions within 90 days of clinical guidance publication (highest priority)
🔸Patients with multiple severe comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes + cardiovascular disease)
🔸Higher BMI tiers: Starting with BMI >40 before expanding to BMI >35
NHS England will gradually expand availability based on treatment efficacy monitoring and budget impact assessments.
Can my GP prescribe it?
From June 2025, some GPs may start to offer Mounjaro to people in high-risk groups. But GPs will only prescribe it if extra support is available. This includes help with food choices, behaviour, and regular check-ins.
This means not everyone will be offered it straight away. More people may be offered it in the future as new support services are added.
Can I get Mounjaro privately?
Yes, private access is available but costly:
🔹For example, Superdrug's Online Doctor and Simple Online Pharmacy began private dispensing in February 2025
🔹Eligibility requires BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities, verified via video consultation or clinical documentation per tightened GPhC regulations
🔹Private providers report over 80,000 patients awaiting treatment, reflecting substantial demand outpacing NHS capacity
How much does Mounjaro cost?
Private pricing follows a dose-dependent structure:
| Dosage Strength | Treatment Duration | Price Range (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg/5mg starter doses | 4 weeks | £189–£215 |
| Higher maintenance doses (e.g., 15mg) | Weekly | Significantly higher (exact pricing unpublished) |
| Manufacturer savings programmes | Long-term | Not currently available in UK |
Table: Mounjaro private cost structure in the UK
Cost-saving strategies:
🔸Dose consolidation: Higher-dose pens (e.g., 15mg) offer better long-term value than starter doses
🔸Pharmacy comparisons: Regular price checks across providers can yield savings of £20–£40 monthly
🔸Subscription models: Some online pharmacies offer 5% discounts for automated monthly deliveries
Where is the Best Place to Buy Cheap Mounjaro in the UK?
Six major online providers offer competitive pricing (as of June 2025):
| Pharmacy | Starter Pack Price (4 weeks) | Savings Programs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Online Pharmacy | £189 | Provide expedited shipping | Most economical starter option |
| The Independent Pharmacy | £195 | £10 off first order | Includes clinical review |
| Chemist4U | £199 | Subscription discounts | Currently dominates 70% market share |
| Superdrug | £215 | Health & Beauty points | Strict eligibility verification |
| Asda Online Doctor | £205 | None | Limited geographic coverage |
| Boots Online Clinic | £210 | Advantage Card points | Brand reliability |
Table: Price comparison of private Mounjaro providers in the UK market
Acquisition tips:
🔹Verify pharmacy credentials: Ensure GPhC registration and prescription requirements (avoid illegal online sellers)
🔹Consider long-term costs: Calculate price per mg at maintenance doses (≥10mg)
🔹Leverage new-customer incentives: First-order discounts often provide 5–10% savings
🔹Monitor seasonal promotions: Major holidays frequently coincide with pharmacy sales events
The path forward
While NHS access remains constrained initially, Mounjaro represents a therapeutic breakthrough for obesity management. Its phased rollout balances budget constraints with medical urgency, while private options offer immediate access for those who can afford it. As manufacturing scales and NHS availability expands, this dual-track approach may establish a template for introducing other high-demand medications where clinical benefit must be balanced against systemic cost pressures. Future developments like oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) and triple-action retatrutide may further reshape the landscape.