Mounjaro? The Breakthrough Weight Loss Treatment Now Approved in the UK
If you have been looking for an effective solution for weight loss, you may have heard the buzz about The Medication dubbed “The King Kong of Weight Loss”. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, this medication has recently gained approval in the UK specifically for helping with weight management. But what exactly is Mounjaro, how does it work, and could it be the right choice for you?
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore:
What Mounjaro is and how it supports weight loss
How well it compares to other weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy
Who can use GLP Medications for weight management
Possible side effects and safety information
What to expect when taking Mounjaro for weight loss
Let’s get started.
What Is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injectable treatment developed by Eli Lilly and Company. Initially approved for use in type 2 diabetes, it has now been licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for treating weight-related health conditions in the United Kingdom.
Mounjaro works differently compared to traditional weight loss medications. It acts on two hormones, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), making it a dual-action therapy. This unique mechanism helps:
Reduce appetite by slowing digestion
Increase feelings of fullness (satiety)
Stabilise blood sugar and insulin levels
Promote consistent and significant weight loss over time
This combination of effects makes Mounjaro a powerful option for people who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
How Does This Work for Weight Loss?
Mounjaro’s effectiveness for weight management is rooted in its ability to influence the body’s appetite regulation systems.
When you take Mounjaro, it slows how quickly food moves through the stomach. This helps you to feel fuller for longer after eating, naturally leading to a reduction in the amount of food you consume. Alongside this, it improves how your body processes sugar, helping to avoid the blood sugar spikes that often drive intense cravings and overeating.
Clinical trials conducted in the UK and globally have shown that many patients experience a significant reduction in body weight — between 15% and 22% — depending on the dose and duration of treatment. Many users also report a notable decrease in cravings, especially for highly processed, high-calorie foods.
Unlike short-term diets or restrictive programmes, Mounjaro works with the body’s natural systems to support long-term weight loss success.
Mounjaro vs Other Weight Loss Injections (Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda)
Now, this isn’t the only medication available for weight management, but early research suggests it could be the most effective yet.
Here’s how it compares:
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Primary Use | Average Weight Loss | Dosing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Diabetes & Weight Loss | 15–22% | Weekly |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight Loss | 12–15% | Weekly |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Diabetes (off-label weight loss) | 10–12% | Weekly |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Weight Loss | 5–10% | Daily |
Key takeaway:
In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed greater weight loss results compared to other medications like Wegovy and Saxenda. Additionally, Mounjaro offers the convenience of once-weekly injections, making it easier to fit into everyday life.
Who Can Use Mounjaro for Weight Loss in the UK?
Mounjaro is now prescribed in the UK to adults living with:
- BMI of 30 or higher
- BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
- Adults from certain ethnic backgrounds (including South Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean backgrounds) may also be eligible at a BMI of 27 or above, as these groups are at higher risk of weight-related health issues at lower BMIs
However, these medications aren’t suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for individuals with:
- A history of pancreatitis
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Before starting Mounjaro, a full medical assessment with a healthcare provider is required to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
Side Effects: What You Should Know
Like all medications, there are sometimes there are side effects. In most cases, these are very mild to moderate and tend to settle as the body adjusts.
The most commonly reported side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhoea or constipation
Headache
Tiredness or fatigue
More serious, but rarer, side effects can occur. These include:
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Gallbladder problems
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), particularly in people also taking diabetes medications
If you experience severe or persistent side effects, you should seek medical advice promptly. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor and manage any potential issues.
Who to speak to for Weight Loss in the UK
Now that Mounjaro has official approval in the UK for weight management, it can be prescribed through NHS specialist weight management services, GPhC regulated pharmacies or private clinics specialising in weight loss treatments treatment.
The steps to start Mounjaro typically include:
- Consulting a qualified healthcare provider (GPhC Pharmacy, Doctor or a qualified prescriber)
- Undergoing a full medical assessment including BMI and associated health risks
- Starting with a low dose, usually 2.5 mg once a week, with gradual increases depending on tolerance and response
- Following lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity to enhance results
Currently, NHS coverage for Mounjaro may be limited mainly to people attending specialist services. Private prescriptions are available for those who meet clinical criteria.
How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose on Mounjaro?
Clinical trial data shows very promising outcomes for those taking Mounjaro:
- After around 6 months, people typically lose between 10–15% of their starting body weight.
- At around one year, weight loss can reach 15–22%, especially at higher doses combined with lifestyle improvements.
These results represent a significant breakthrough compared to older medical weight loss treatments, providing hope for people struggling with severe weight issues and its health consequences.
Of course, individual results can vary based on factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and underlying health conditions.
Is Mounjaro Worth Considering for Weight Loss?
Advantages of Mounjaro ✅
- More effective than existing options like Ozempic or Saxenda
- Only once-weekly dosing
- Improves metabolic health alongside weight loss
- Officially approved for weight loss in the UK
Potential drawbacks ❌
Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea
Cost if accessed privately is typically anywhere between £130 to £180 per month.
Requires commitment to long-term lifestyle changes
Bottom line:
If you have struggled with losing weight and meet the eligibility criteria, Mounjaro could be a life-changing option. Its dual-action mechanism makes it more powerful than previous treatments, and its approval in the UK marks an exciting shift in how we manage weight.
As always, speak with a healthcare provider to see whether Mounjaro could be the right treatment for you.