Updated November 2026 · Based on NICE guidance TA1026 and NHS England's interim commissioning guidance
The short version: yes, you can get Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss on the NHS in England, but only if you meet strict criteria. The rollout through GPs started in June 2025 and is happening in phases, starting with people who have the highest BMI and the most weight-related health conditions. Since 23 June 2026, people with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and at least four qualifying conditions have also been eligible. The next group is expected from spring 2027.
Who qualifies for Mounjaro on the NHS right now?
You need to meet both a BMI threshold and have a number of weight-related health conditions. The five qualifying conditions are:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
- heart or blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease)
- obstructive sleep apnoea
| Phase | Started | BMI | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 1 | 23 June 2025 | 40 or more | at least 4 of the 5 |
| Cohort 2 | 23 June 2026 | 35 to 39.9 | at least 4 of the 5 |
| Cohort 3 | expected spring 2027 | 40 or more | 3 of the 5 |
Lower BMI thresholds apply if you're from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background, because these groups are at higher risk of health problems at a lower BMI. For them, the BMI thresholds are 2.5 points lower (so 37.5 instead of 40, and 32.5 instead of 35).
Why is it being rolled out so slowly?
NICE approved Mounjaro for weight management on the NHS in December 2024 (TA1026) for people with a BMI of at least 35 and at least one weight-related condition. That's millions of people, and the NHS doesn't have the GP time, support services or budget to treat everyone at once.
So NHS England agreed a 12-year phased rollout. About 220,000 people are expected to be treated in the first three years. Each new cohort opens once the previous group is under way.
How to get Mounjaro on the NHS
- Check the criteria above. You'll need a recent BMI measurement and a diagnosis of the relevant conditions in your GP record.
- Ask your GP practice. Since April 2026, prescribing Mounjaro for weight management has been part of the GP contract in England, but practices can choose whether to take part, and availability still varies by area.
- Expect support as well as the injection. You must take part in a "wraparound" programme of diet, activity and behaviour support alongside the medicine. This may be digital, in a group or one-to-one.
- Some people are treated in specialist services instead of by their GP, depending on local arrangements.
How much does NHS Mounjaro cost?
On the NHS you pay the standard prescription charge: £9.90 per item in England, or nothing if you're exempt (for example, if you have a medical exemption certificate for diabetes treatment). Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The criteria and rollout above are for England; the other UK nations make their own arrangements.
How long can you stay on it?
NICE says treatment should stop if you haven't lost at least 5% of your starting weight after 6 months on the highest dose you can tolerate. If you're responding well, there's no fixed end date for Mounjaro in the NICE guidance, unlike NHS Wegovy, which is usually limited to two years.
If you don't qualify yet: your options
- Ask about Wegovy on the NHS through a specialist weight management service. Criteria differ; see can you get Wegovy on the NHS?.
- Go private. Private Mounjaro is available to adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition, after an online consultation. It currently costs from £139.99 a month at 2.5mg and from £269.99 at 15mg at the cheapest providers. See cheapest Mounjaro UK.
- Consider Wegovy privately. It's usually cheaper, from £161 a month at the 2.4mg maintenance dose. See Wegovy vs Mounjaro cost.
- Consider a weight loss pill. The Wegovy pill and Foundayo are now available privately. See weight loss pill prices.
If you start privately and later qualify on the NHS, tell your GP. They'll assess you against the NHS criteria at that time.
Compare private Mounjaro prices
Keep reading
- Mounjaro side effects: what to expect
- Cheapest Mounjaro UK: every dose priced
- Can you get Wegovy on the NHS?
- Coming off Mounjaro or Wegovy: what happens
- How much do weight loss injections cost?
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in 2026?
Yes, in England, if you have a BMI of 40 or more with at least four of five weight-related conditions, or (since 23 June 2026) a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with at least four. Thresholds are 2.5 points lower for some ethnic backgrounds.
When will more people get Mounjaro on the NHS?
The next group, people with a BMI of 40 or more and three qualifying conditions, is expected from spring 2027. The full rollout is planned over 12 years.
How much is Mounjaro on the NHS?
£9.90 per prescription item in England, unless you're exempt. It's free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Can my GP refuse to prescribe Mounjaro?
GP practices can choose whether to offer it, and you must meet the current criteria. If your practice doesn't take part, ask how patients in your area are referred.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS with a BMI of 30?
Not at the moment. NHS criteria currently start at a BMI of 35 (32.5 for some ethnic backgrounds) with at least four conditions. Private providers can prescribe from a BMI of 30.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. CompareTheJab is an independent comparison website, not a pharmacy or medical service. Always speak to a qualified prescriber before starting, stopping or switching any medicine.
Prices were checked on each provider's own website on 3 November 2026 and change often. Always confirm the price at checkout. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which never affect how we rank providers. Read our affiliate policy and how we compare providers.
