Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Complete UK Guide

How it works, clinical results, costs, side effects, and where to buy from verified UK pharmacies.

22.5%

Average weight loss (15mg dose)¹

Weekly

Injection frequency

From £149

Per month (UK providers)

Dual GIP/GLP-1

Mechanism of action

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription weight loss injection manufactured by Eli Lilly. It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2024 for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 with weight-related comorbidities).²

Unlike older weight loss medications, Mounjaro works on two hormone receptors simultaneously — GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual mechanism helps reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve blood sugar regulation.

In the landmark SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants taking the highest dose (15mg) lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks — the largest weight reduction seen in any GLP-1 receptor agonist trial to date.¹

Dosing Schedule

Mounjaro is injected once weekly. The dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks to minimise side effects, as outlined in the Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)

Dose
Period
Notes
2.5 mg
Weeks 1–4
Starting dose — allows your body to adjust
5 mg
Weeks 5–8
First dose increase
7.5 mg
Weeks 9–12
Intermediate dose
10 mg
Weeks 13–16
Common maintenance dose
12.5 mg
Weeks 17–20
Higher dose if needed
15 mg
Weeks 21+
Maximum dose for greatest effect

Who Is Eligible?

Adults aged 18 or over

BMI of 30 or above (obese), or BMI of 27+ with at least one weight-related condition (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)

Must complete an online consultation with a prescriber

Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

No personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome

Based on NICE TA924 eligibility criteria.²

Side Effects

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and usually improve as your body adjusts. Data is from the SURMOUNT-1 trial¹ and the EMC SmPC.³

Side Effect
Frequency
Severity
Nausea
Very common (>20%)
Usually mild, improves over time
Diarrhoea
Common (10–20%)
Typically resolves within weeks
Decreased appetite
Common (10–20%)
Expected therapeutic effect
Vomiting
Common (5–15%)
Usually temporary
Constipation
Common (5–10%)
Manageable with hydration
Injection site reactions
Uncommon (<5%)
Mild redness or itching

MHRA Safety Alert: GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a small risk of acute pancreatitis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain. Read the MHRA guidance →

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost in the UK?

Mounjaro is currently available as a private prescription from online pharmacies. Costs vary by provider and dose, with starting prices typically ranging from £149 to £179 per month for the initial 2.5mg dose. Higher doses cost more as you progress through the titration schedule.

All prices include the cost of an online consultation with a prescriber. Some providers offer bundle discounts for multi-month supplies.

Compare Mounjaro Prices from Verified UK Pharmacies

Find the lowest price from GPhC-registered providers — all independently verified and regularly updated.

Important Medical Information

This website provides general information about weight loss medications for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP or qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication. Individual results may vary.

WhichWeightMeds.org is an independent comparison platform and is not affiliated with any pharmacy, manufacturer, or healthcare provider. We do not prescribe, sell, or dispense medications.

Sources & References

  1. 1
    Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1)New England Journal of Medicine, 2022 (Accessed February 2026)View source
  2. 2
    Tirzepatide for Weight Management — NICE Technology Appraisal TA924National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Accessed February 2026)View source
  3. 3
    Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Summary of Product CharacteristicsElectronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) (Accessed February 2026)View source
  4. 4
    GLP-1 receptor agonists — safety reviewMedicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (Accessed February 2026)View source