Emerging Pharmacological Approaches to Obesity Treatment

The NHS is beginning to offer the weight-loss injection Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which has shown more than 20% reduction in body weight in clinical trials—outperforming current medications. While its use is presently limited to individuals with severe obesity (BMI≥35 with comorbid conditions), its growing use is prompting questions around broader access and fairness in distribution.

Mounjaro has attracted considerable attention as a promising tool for weight reduction. For those in the UK who are considering this option, it's essential to understand how access works.

Tirzepatide, branded as Mounjaro, is approved in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes. Its use in weight management, however, is considered off-label. This means it isn’t formally approved for this indication, though doctors may still prescribe it for weight loss based on individual clinical judgment.

Patients typically need a prescription from a certified medical practitioner to obtain Mounjaro. Given its approved use for diabetes, most NHS prescriptions are for controlling blood sugar. Conversely, some private providers offer it off-label for weight loss, but always under strict medical supervision.

At present, the NHS mainly provides Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes treatment, under specific and narrow eligibility guidelines. Broader use for obesity therapy depends on forthcoming reviews and guidance from regulatory bodies like NICE.

Private healthcare providers offer a pathway for those interested in Mounjaro for weight management. These clinics generally carry out full health assessments before prescribing the drug. Costs differ greatly between providers, so patients are encouraged to research and consult experienced professionals.

Mounjaro is still undergoing clinical evaluations focusing on weight loss. Outcomes from these studies could shape future guidelines and expand its approved uses in the UK. Those considering the treatment should keep informed of the latest evidence.

Condition	UK Status (2024)
Type 2 Diabetes	Approved with prescription
Weight Loss	Off-label, limited to private providers

Source: UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 2024.

Within the NHS, Mounjaro’s use for diabetes management follows strict prescribing rules to ensure it’s clinically appropriate and cost-effective.

A confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is required. This typically involves laboratory testing such as HbA1c to demonstrate prolonged high blood glucose levels.

Mounjaro is considered when standard treatments, like metformin or lifestyle modifications, fail to adequately control blood sugar. The exact cut-offs for poor control may differ per case.

As obesity often coexists with diabetes, NHS guidelines may prioritise patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher when considering Mounjaro.

Mounjaro is contraindicated in individuals with certain health conditions, including prior pancreatitis or thyroid cancer. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary.

Prescriptions are typically issued and monitored by a specialist—most often an endocrinologist—due to the drug’s complexity and safety profile.

Eligibility Criteria	Description
Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes	Verified via blood glucose/HbA1c testing
Inadequate Glycaemic Control	When standard therapies prove insufficient
High BMI	Focus on patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m²
Absence of Contraindicating Factors	Excludes those with relevant medical conditions
Specialist Involvement	Usually prescribed and monitored by an endocrinologist

Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2024.

Mounjaro and Wegovy are both used to aid weight loss, but they differ in how they function and in their effectiveness. Understanding these distinctions can guide treatment choices.

Mounjaro acts as a dual receptor agonist, targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual action enhances insulin secretion, lowers glucagon, and slows gastric emptying. Wegovy, by comparison, targets only GLP-1 receptors to help reduce appetite and calorie intake.

Studies suggest Mounjaro achieves greater weight reduction than Wegovy. Participants using Mounjaro lost as much as 22.5% of their body weight, compared with roughly 15% for those using Wegovy. Still, individual success depends on other lifestyle factors.

Both medications are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Mounjaro may cause nausea more frequently, though individual responses vary.

Both are given as weekly subcutaneous injections, though their dosing schedules and delivery devices may differ.

Cost and access remain significant concerns for both treatments. Insurance coverage, provider choice, and geographic location heavily influence affordability.

Medication	Average Weight Loss (%)	Mechanism
Mounjaro	Up to 22.5%	Dual GIP & GLP-1 receptor agonist
Wegovy	Around 15%	GLP-1 receptor agonist

Data Source: 2024 Clinical Trials.

These injections promote weight loss by affecting the body’s biological processes in specific ways:

GLP-1 agonists mimic hormones that make the body feel full, leading to reduced hunger and calorie consumption.

Some drugs increase metabolism, helping the body burn more energy. However, this effect is not uniform across all users.

Certain medications reduce the body’s ability to absorb dietary fat, prompting it to be excreted instead of stored.

Injection Type	Primary Mechanism
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists	Appetite regulation
Lipase Inhibitors	Fat absorption prevention

Source: UK National Health Service, 2024

Many find online services a convenient route for accessing weight-loss medications. The process usually involves the following steps:

Users complete a medical questionnaire and provide weight history and goals. Some platforms also offer video consultations to verify eligibility.

Once approved, the prescription is shipped to the patient’s home—usually in discreet packaging.

Reputable services provide follow-up support, including nutritional guidance and progress monitoring, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Q1: Is Mounjaro approved for weight loss in the UK?
A: No. It is approved for type 2 diabetes. Use for weight loss is off-label and not yet fully authorised for that purpose.

Q2: What NHS requirements must be met to access Mounjaro?
A: The patient must have type 2 diabetes, insufficient glucose control despite other treatments, a BMI ≥30, no contraindications, and specialist management.

Q3: How does Mounjaro compare with Wegovy?
A: Mounjaro affects both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while Wegovy acts only on GLP-1. Mounjaro has shown higher weight loss in clinical trials.

Q4: What mechanisms do weight loss injections use?
A: They may regulate appetite, increase metabolism, or block fat absorption—depending on the drug’s formulation.

Q5: Can these treatments be prescribed online?
A: Yes, through online platforms offering virtual assessments. After approval, the medication is sent directly, often with professional follow-up included.

1. https://www.the-independent.com/news/health/mounjaro-nhs-gp-tirzepatide-prescribe-b2774612.html
2. https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/
3. https://thegrovemedicalgroup.nhs.uk/2025/06/24/important-update-weight-loss-injections-mounjaro-tirzepatide-on-the-nhs/
4. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/mounjaro-vs-wegovy
5. https://www.pennfieldsmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/2025/06/24/important-update-mounjaro-tirzepatide-new-nhs-weight-loss-treatment/