This first paragraph of this post was updated on 05/12/2024 to reflect changes to prescribing Mounjaro on the NHS.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS?
On December 5, 2024, NICE announced that Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) would be made available on the NHS for patients with obesity. NICE plans to offer Mounjaro to approximately 250,000 people with obesity over the next three years.
The NHS recommends Mounjaro for individuals with a BMI above 35 who have at least one weight-related illness, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Around 3.4 million people in the UK meet these criteria. The NHS plans to introduce the medication gradually over the next 12 years to manage the strain of this rollout.
Initially, only patients with the highest clinical need will receive Mounjaro. These patients are likely to include those with very high BMIs (e.g., above 40) and those with multiple weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.
This phased approach means that individuals with lower BMIs and less urgent clinical needs may wait several years to access Mounjaro through the NHS. Private weight loss clinics offer an alternative for these patients. At private clinics, including our highly-acclaimed Cardiff weight loss clinic, Mounjaro or Wegovy can be prescribed to patients with weight-related conditions who have a BMI of 27 or higher. For those without weight-related conditions, the threshold is a BMI of 30 or above.
Additionally, NICE plans to reassess the rollout in three years. Their decision to approve Mounjaro was based on substantial evidence demonstrating its cost-effectiveness as a result of the weight loss effect. The significant weight loss achieved by patients reduces the likelihood of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which are costly for the NHS to treat.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a new medication that treats type 2 diabetes and is also used for weight loss in the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Mounjaro in November 2023.
Currently, the NHS prescribes Mounjaro only for patients with type 2 diabetes under specific circumstances:
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Three diabetes medications have failed to control blood sugar levels.
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The patient has a BMI of 35 or higher and other obesity-related medical conditions.
It may also be prescribed to patients with a BMI below 35 if they cannot use insulin due to their occupation or if weight loss would provide significant medical benefits.
In 2024, the NHS did not prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss. However, NICE is conducting a consultation to evaluate whether Mounjaro should be prescribed on the NHS for this purpose. The results of this consultation are expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
Privately, Mounjaro is available for overweight or obese patients. At Wellness Pharmacy in Cardiff, we offer Mounjaro and another weight loss injection, Wegovy, through our weight loss clinic. Our expert pharmacists can discuss your options in person or over the phone.
Mounjaro can be privately prescribed for weight loss to individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have a weight-related condition. For people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, the BMI thresholds are generally reduced by 2.5 kg/m².
Will my GP prescribe Mounjaro?
Your GP cannot prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss on the NHS. Some GPs may prescribe it for type 2 diabetes under specific conditions. In many areas, however, only diabetes specialists are authorized to prescribe Mounjaro for diabetic patients.
Is Mounjaro available in Wales?
Yes, Mounjaro is available in Wales for weight loss through a private prescription. At our leading Cardiff weight loss clinic in St. Mellons, expert pharmacists provide consultations to ensure Mounjaro is safe and appropriate for you. During the initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive health check and provide a month’s supply of injections, along with tailored advice on diet and exercise. Monthly follow-up appointments help monitor your progress and ensure continued success.
Contact us for more information or book an appointment with our pharmacist today!
Phone: 02920 777026 Email: info@wellnesscardiff.co.uk
