Weight-loss jab Mounjaro now available via GPs in England – but only for people who meet strict criteria

Mounjaro, the weekly weight-loss injection also known as tirzepatide, will be available through GP surgeries in England from today. However, access to the drug is limited to people who meet tight eligibility criteria, as the NHS takes a phased approach to manage demand and resources.

NHS England says the first group eligible to receive the injection from their GP or a community clinic will be those with the highest clinical need. This includes people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above – or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background – and who also have four out of five specific health conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or vascular disease, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea.

These people will be supported with “wrap-around” care, such as regular health checks, dietary advice and help with physical activity. However, not all GP surgeries will immediately be offering the drug. In some cases, prescriptions will be managed by wider primary care services. People are being advised to check their local integrated care board (ICB) website for guidance.

Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director for primary care at NHS England, described this as a significant step forward. “This is an important next step in the rollout of weight-loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today,” she said.

Despite the move, many GPs have raised concerns about capacity. Some practices have warned on their websites that very few people are likely to qualify immediately. Others are asking for patience while services are set up.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, acknowledged that the injections work but said practices are already overstretched. “It’s a lot safer to come to us than buying online or over the counter, but we are asking people not to approach GPs unless they think they meet the criteria,” she said.

Malcolm Harrison, chief executive of the Company Chemists’ Association, echoed the concerns. He warned that GP provision may not be able to meet demand, even for those who qualify under the current criteria.

Mounjaro is already in use at specialist NHS weight management clinics and like the similar medicine Wegovy (semaglutide), can also be accessed privately.

People who are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding or who have had conditions such as pancreatitis or certain thyroid tumours, are advised not to take Mounjaro. Monthly check-ups are required for new patients and staff need training to prescribe the drug safely, adding further pressure on GP services.

NHS England has outlined a phased expansion of eligibility. From June 2026, people with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and four of the listed conditions could become eligible. By April 2027, those with a BMI of 40 or more and three of the conditions may qualify. NICE will assess the rollout to decide on further expansion, with estimates suggesting around 3.4 million people could be eligible over the next 12 years.

Elsewhere in the UK, Mounjaro is available via specialist services in Wales and Northern Ireland is planning a new regional obesity service. In Scotland access to weight-loss drugs remains limited and is determined by individual health boards.