Mounjaro Prescription Criteria UK
Before starting Mounjaro treatment in the UK, patients must meet specific eligibility criteria and complete a clinical assessment with a qualified prescriber. While Mounjaro is increasingly discussed in the context of weight management, it remains a prescription-only medicine, and access is regulated.
This guide explains who may be eligible for Mounjaro in the UK in 2026, how private prescribing works, how NHS access differs, and what to expect during the assessment process. Understanding these rules helps set realistic expectations and ensures treatment is started safely.
For a broader comparison of providers, pricing, and service models, see our Best Mounjaro Provider UK 2026 guide.
Is Mounjaro Available for Weight Loss in the UK?
Yes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can be prescribed in the UK for weight management through regulated prescribing pathways. It is available both privately and, in limited circumstances, through the NHS.
However, eligibility criteria apply in all cases, and prescriptions can only be issued following assessment by a qualified UK prescriber.
Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria in the UK
Eligibility for Mounjaro is based on clinical guidance and individual health factors. While exact criteria can vary slightly between providers, most UK prescribers follow similar principles.
Typical Private Eligibility Criteria
For private treatment, patients are commonly considered eligible if they meet one of the following:
| • | A BMI of 30 or above, or |
| • | A BMI of 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition |
Weight-related conditions may include issues such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or sleep apnoea, although this is assessed individually.
Eligibility is always confirmed during clinical assessment and is not guaranteed.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Mounjaro
Not everyone is suitable for Mounjaro treatment. Prescribers will assess for contraindications and safety considerations, which may include:
| • | Certain endocrine conditions |
| • | A history of specific gastrointestinal disorders |
| • | Use of medications that may interact with the treatment |
| • | Pregnancy or breastfeeding |
Providing accurate medical history during consultation is essential to ensure safe prescribing.
NHS Mounjaro Eligibility in the UK (What the Criteria Are in Practice)
Mounjaro can be prescribed on the NHS for weight management, but access is currently limited and subject to strict criteria. Even when patients meet clinical guidance, availability depends on local NHS commissioning decisions and service capacity.
NICE-Aligned Eligibility Criteria
Under current NICE guidance, NHS weight management medication may be considered for adults who meet all of the following:
| • | A BMI of 35 or above, or |
| • | A BMI of 30–34.9 with at least one significant weight-related health condition |
Weight-related conditions may include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular risk factors, depending on clinical assessment.
Additional NHS Requirements
In practice, NHS access usually also requires:
| • | Referral to a specialist (Tier 3 or Tier 4) weight management service |
| • | Participation in a structured, multi-disciplinary weight management programme |
| • | Evidence of previous attempts at weight loss through lifestyle interventions |
| • | Assessment by specialist clinicians, not a GP alone |
Medication is typically prescribed as part of a wider programme rather than as a standalone treatment.
Practical Limitations to NHS Access
Even when patients meet eligibility criteria, access can be affected by:
| • | Long waiting lists for specialist services (often several months or longer) |
| • | Local funding and prescribing restrictions |
| • | Regional differences between NHS Integrated Care Boards |
| • | Temporary pauses on new referrals due to demand |
As a result, NHS access to Mounjaro for weight management is not guaranteed and varies significantly by location.
Private Prescribing Compared to NHS Access
Private providers follow regulated prescribing standards but assess eligibility independently.
Private prescribing typically offers:
| ✓ | Faster clinical assessment |
| ✓ | Fewer access delays |
| ✓ | Direct prescribing following eligibility review |
However, private treatment involves out-of-pocket costs and is not subsidised by the NHS.
For patients weighing NHS versus private options, understanding both eligibility rules and practical availability can help set realistic expectations.
How the Mounjaro Eligibility Assessment Works
All UK providers must assess patients before prescribing Mounjaro.
|
1
|
Step 1: Online Consultation or Questionnaire |
Patients are asked to provide information about:
| • | Height and weight |
| • | Medical history |
| • | Current medications |
| • | Previous weight loss treatments |
This forms the basis of the clinical review.
|
2
|
Step 2: Clinical Review by a Prescriber |
A qualified prescriber reviews the information to determine whether Mounjaro is appropriate.
At Superior Pharmacy, assessments are reviewed by named UK prescribers:
| • | Raman Sangha, Superintendent Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2085763) |
| • | Resham Sira, Clinical Lead & Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2086835) |
Additional information may be requested if clarification is needed.
|
3
|
Step 3: Prescription Decision |
If approved, a prescription is issued, and treatment can begin. If Mounjaro is not suitable, the prescriber will explain why and may recommend alternative approaches.
Approval is never automatic and depends on individual clinical circumstances.
Does Eligibility Change Over Time?
Eligibility is assessed at the start of treatment and reviewed periodically.
Prescribers may reassess if:
| • | Side effects develop |
| • | Medical circumstances change |
| • | A dose increase is requested |
Ongoing monitoring helps ensure treatment remains appropriate.
Age Requirements for Mounjaro in the UK
Mounjaro is currently prescribed for adults aged 18 and over in the UK.
Providers will verify age as part of the assessment process.
Can You Get Mounjaro if You’ve Tried Other Treatments?
Yes. Many patients prescribed Mounjaro have previously tried lifestyle changes or other weight management approaches.
Prescribers often consider:
| • | Past weight loss attempts |
| • | Response to previous treatments |
| • | Current health risks |
There is no requirement to have tried other medications privately before being assessed for Mounjaro.
Switching Providers and Eligibility
If you are already taking Mounjaro and switching providers, eligibility is still reviewed.
Most providers will ask for:
| • | Confirmation of your current dose |
| • | Evidence of previous prescription |
| • | Updated health information |
Eligibility does not automatically transfer and is reassessed to ensure safety.
For guidance on this process, see our How to Switch Mounjaro Providers in the UK guide.
Why Prescriber Oversight Matters
Mounjaro affects appetite regulation and metabolic processes, which is why prescribing must be overseen by qualified clinicians.
Good providers ensure:
| ✓ | Clear prescriber accountability |
| ✓ | Access to clinical advice |
| ✓ | Appropriate dose review |
Superior Pharmacy follows a pharmacy-led model with named prescribers overseeing treatment and responding to clinical queries.
Common Eligibility Questions
Is everyone with a high BMI eligible for Mounjaro?
No. BMI is one factor, but overall health and medical history are also considered.
Can eligibility be refused?
Yes. Prescribers may decide Mounjaro is not suitable based on clinical risk.
Does eligibility guarantee weight loss?
No. Individual responses vary, and treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mounjaro Eligibility UK
Do I need a GP referral for private Mounjaro?
No. Private providers assess eligibility directly.
Can I apply if I’m already on another medication?
Possibly. This depends on the medication and is assessed by the prescriber.
Is eligibility different between providers?
Core criteria are similar, but assessment processes may vary slightly.
Next Steps
If you are considering Mounjaro treatment, understanding eligibility criteria helps ensure expectations are clear before applying.
For a full overview of providers and services, see our Best Mounjaro Provider UK 2026 guide.
| Compare Providers Now → |
If you would like to explore eligibility with Superior Pharmacy, you can begin by completing the online consultation. All prescriptions are subject to clinical assessment.
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information only. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine. Individual experiences may vary. Treatment decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals.
Superior Pharmacy Prescribers: Raman Sangha (GPhC 2085763), Resham Sira (GPhC 2086835).