Accessibility ToolsTirzepatide: A new treatment option for managing obesity
From Monday 23 June, people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (also known as Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings such as GP practices and community pharmacies.
This does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately. It means primary care settings can begin discussions with patients about whether tirzepatide is the right option to improve their health through weight loss.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised.
From 23 June 2025, people who meet the qualifying criteria (a BMI of at least 40 and four of the five stated weight related comorbidities), will be able to gain access to the drug via primary care, if both patient and clinician agree it is the most appropriate treatment option.
Full qualifying criteria is a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 plus and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- abnormal blood fats
Tirzepatide is also not the only option. Other free NHS services include:
- NHS Digital Weight Management Programme – for people with high blood pressure or diabetes, and a BMI over 30 (27.5 for some ethnic groups).
- NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme – for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last 6 years and who are overweight.
- NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you qualify for treatment with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) you will be contacted by your practice or local health care providers in due course to discuss this with you. Please do not contact your GP to discuss this without being invited to do so.
Weight management services are locally commissioned and funded at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, which means services will differ across each ICB.
To find out more, please visit: Obesity - Treatment - NHS. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below.
A new weight loss medicine called tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®) is being introduced in England for adults with obesity and weight-related health problems.
This drug has been used for type 2 diabetes but will now also be offered to help with weight loss. To find out more, please visit: Obesity - Treatment - NHS.
You won’t be able to get tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) immediately.
Because this is a new treatment, the NHS needs time to set up new services and train staff.
However, from Monday 23 June 2025, it will become available through GPs and primary care, starting with those most in need.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a weekly injection that:
- Reduces hunger
- Makes you feel full faster
- Slows how quickly food leaves your stomach.
It mimics natural hormones in your body that help control appetite.
You must also take part in a weight loss support programme (focusing on diet and physical activity) while using the medicine.
The NHS will roll out the treatment in three stages over three years to those with the highest health risks:
Health conditions that are included:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Cohort 1 – Starting June 2025
You may qualify if you have:
- 4 or more of the conditions above, and
- A BMI of 40 or more (adjusted for ethnicity*)
Cohort 2 – Starting year 2
- 4 or more conditions and
- BMI of 35 or more (adjusted for ethnicity*)
Cohort 3 – Starting year 3
- 3 or more conditions and
- BMI of 35 or more (adjusted for ethnicity*)
*People from South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or Caribbean backgrounds will have a lower BMI threshold (2.5 less) due to increased health risks.
Tirzepatide isn’t the only option. Other free NHS services include:
- NHS Digital Weight Management Programme – for people with high blood pressure or diabetes, and a BMI over 30 (27.5 for some ethnic groups).
- NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme – for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last 6 years and who are overweight.
- NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you qualify for treatment with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) you will be contacted by your practice or local health care providers in due course to discuss this with you. Please do not contact your GP to discuss this without being invited to do so.
Common side effects include:
- Feeling sick
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Low blood sugar
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Report any side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme.
You’ll be reviewed after 6 months. If you haven’t lost at least 5% of your weight, the treatment will likely be stopped.
There is currently no set time limit on how long you can take it - this will be decided between you and your healthcare provider.
No – it's not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you're planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about when to stop the medication.
- If you’re on it for diabetes, you can continue.
- If you’ve been buying it privately, you might be able to switch to an NHS prescription – if you meet the criteria.
Always let your GP know if you’re using this medication, even if privately.
Your healthcare team will decide the best setting for your care. You don’t need to take any action on your own.
Yes. Everyone taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) on the NHS must also take part in a wrap-around care programme, which includes support with:
- Diet
- Physical activity
- Lifestyle changes
You can’t be prescribed the drug without this support.
You’ll only pay the usual NHS prescription fee, unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.
