Who Can Get Mounjaro in the UK?
If you’re considering weight loss treatment, you may need to look into the BMI requirements for Mounjaro through a UK online pharmacy. Understanding the BMI requirements is essential. Most providers follow similar rules based on regulator guidance, even though you’re accessing treatment privately.
The standard eligibility starts with a BMI of 30 or above, which is classified as having a BMI associated with increased health risks. This alone is enough for most people to qualify. However, if your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, you might still be eligible — but only if you also have a weight-related health condition, known as a comorbidity. Ethnicity can change BMI Requirements for Mounjaro. Please see the table on how those who are affected.
Common comorbidities include:
These are the core health conditions most commonly accepted by UK pharmacies when assessing eligibility for Mounjaro at a BMI between 27 and 29.9. They are also recognised in NHS and NICE guidance:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Cardiovascular disease (such as a previous stroke or heart attack)
Additional Comorbidities Some Providers May Consider
While not always listed in official NHS guidance, many UK online providers may accept the following conditions due to their strong associations with excess weight:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Insulin resistance or prediabetes
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Osteoarthritis or joint pain related to weight
- Mobility issues caused by excess weight
- Mental health challenges linked to obesity (e.g. depression, anxiety)
These are often assessed on a case-by-case basis and may increase your chances of approval if your BMI is below 30.
Mounjaro Requirements For Mounjaro Table:
Here’s a quick overview of who can get Mounjaro, and under what circumstances:
| Situation | Can You Get Mounjaro? |
|---|---|
| BMI 30+ | ✅ Yes |
| BMI 27–29.9 + comorbidity | ✅ Yes |
| BMI <27 + ethnic risk factors | ⚠️ Maybe (check with provider) |
| Already on Mounjaro, BMI <27 | ✅ Usually yes (maintenance) |
| Off Mounjaro, want to restart | ✅ Often allowed, reassess |
| Past 2 years with some providers | ❌ May be stopped (check FAQ) |
| Lifetime treatment | ✅ Most allow this |
Ethnicity and BMI Requirements for Mounjaro: What’s Different?
Some UK pharmacies also adjust the BMI thresholds depending on your ethnic background. People from South Asian, Black, Chinese, or Middle Eastern backgrounds can experience health issues like type 2 diabetes at lower BMIs than white populations. Because of this, certain providers may allow access to Mounjaro at a BMI of 25 or higher, especially if a comorbidity is also present. This is consistent with NHS guidelines for adjusted BMI thresholds.
This adjustment isn’t guaranteed across all providers, so you may need to check with individual pharmacies or consult your doctor to confirm.
| Ethnic Group | Common Countries of Origin | Lower BMI Recognised? | Reason for Lower BMI Thresholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Asian | India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal | Yes – NHS/NICE | Strong evidence of higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI |
| Black / African-Caribbean | Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Jamaica, Trinidad | Yes – NHS/NICE | Increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and diabetes at lower BMI |
| Chinese | China | Yes – NHS/NICE | Central obesity and insulin resistance common at lower BMI |
| Middle Eastern | Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey | Emerging evidence only | Similar metabolic risk patterns seen, but not officially listed by NICE/NHS |
| East & Southeast Asian | Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, Japan | Considered by some providers | Research suggests higher insulin resistance at lower BMI; not in NICE criteria |
| Mixed Heritage | White & Asian, White & Black African, etc. | Case-by-case | Risks vary; some providers assess based on family and medical history |
BMI requirements for Mounjaro When You Change Pharmacy?
Once you’re approved for Mounjaro and begin treatment, many online pharmacies continue your prescription even if your BMI drops below 30 or 27 (depending on where you started). This is because maintaining a lower weight is a valid medical goal.
If you change providers during treatment, most platforms accept transfers without starting over, especially if you can show prior use and results. Some even have dedicated “maintenance” pathways for this situation.
However, be aware that each provider has their own threshold for how low your BMI can go while staying on Mounjaro. Some may allow continuation at BMI 25, while others might stop treatment at that point.
Always look for a “BMI policy” or “maintenance pathway” on their site, or contact them directly to confirm.
Mounjaro Prescription Scenarios: What Applies to You?
| Situation | Can You Get Mounjaro? |
|---|---|
| BMI 30+ | ✅ Yes |
| BMI 27–29.9 + Comorbidity | ✅ Yes |
| BMI <27 + Ethnic risk factors | ⚠️ Maybe (Uncommon, check) |
| Already on Mounjaro, BMI <27 | ✅ Usually yes |
| Off Mounjaro, want to restart <27-29.9 | ✅ Sometimes allowed (see returning info) |
| Lifetime treatment | ✅ Often allowed (see maintenance info) |
How Long Can You Take Mounjaro?
One of the most common questions is how long you can stay on Mounjaro once you start. The answer depends on the provider.
Common Timeframes:
- Boots, MedExpress, and Zava generally offer treatment for up to 2 years. MedExpress, for example, may require that you’ve lost at least 5% of your body weight in 6 months to stay on treatment.
- Smaller or more flexible pharmacies generally offer Mounjaro on an ongoing or lifetime basis, provided it remains safe and effective.
- Some providers do not clearly state timeframes, so it’s best to check their FAQs or ask support staff before starting.
If you’re planning a long-term approach to weight management, this could be a major deciding factor in choosing a pharmacy.
Can You Restart Mounjaro After a Break?
Yes, many online pharmacies allow you to return to treatment after a pause. Whether you stopped due to side effects, affordability, or other life circumstances, restarting is often possible.
However, you will likely need to complete a new health assessment. This will typically include your current BMI, updated medical history, and a new consent form. The process can feel like a fresh start, but some pharmacies keep your past records, which can help speed things up.
It’s worth reaching out to your original provider if you plan to resume, but you can also switch to another provider if their restart policy is more accommodating.
Final Thoughts on BMI Requirements for Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a powerful tool in medical weight management, but not every pharmacy has the same rules. BMI is a key factor in eligibility, but other things matter too, like your medical history, ethnicity, treatment history, and which pharmacy you choose.
Before you start, compare your options carefully. Look at time limits, restart flexibility, maintenance rules, and whether they support lower BMI thresholds based on your background.