Using Mounjaro for weight loss
Although not yet available as solely a weight loss treatment on the NHS, Mounjaro may be approved as an NHS weight loss medication before the end of 2024.
Mounjaro is a safe and effective medicine that can be used to treat patients who are obese or overweight and have weight-related health issues. It works by suppressing your appetite.
While Mounjaro is not currently available on the NHS for weight loss, if you’ve tried to lose weight in the past and struggled to either achieve or maintain progress, you may be eligible for another weight loss medicine via the NHS under a funded weight management programme, like Oviva.
Find out whether you’re eligible with our quick and easy survey.
Key Takeaways
- Mounjaro is an effective type 2 diabetes and weight loss medicine.
- For weight loss, it works by suppressing your appetite, so you eat less.
- The medicine is expected to be approved for NHS use by the end of 2024 and may then be prescribed to those who are eligible.
- Eligibility criteria are likely to include a BMI of at least 35 with co-morbidities.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a diabetes and weight loss medication. Mounjaro is the brand name, and the active ingredient is tirzepatide, which belongs to the GLP-1 agonist class of medications. Mounjaro injections have been recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Patients begin by taking a Mounjaro injection of 2.5 mg once per week for four weeks. The dose can be then increased gradually at four-week intervals, the aim of which is to reach the most efficacious dose for each individual of which the maximum can be 15 mg per week.
How Mounjaro promotes weight loss
When used as medication to treat obesity, Mounjaro promotes weight loss by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a natural hormone released by the body after eating.
The effect of this mechanism is a reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness. As a result, you’ll naturally eat less than you normally would, promoting weight loss.
However, it’s very important that, when used for weight loss, Mounjaro is be combined with other lifestyle interventions.
How much weight can you lose on Mounjaro?
Research demonstrates that patients taking Mounjaro for weight loss may be able to lose up to 20% of their total body weight. However, total weight loss will depend on your commitment to lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and behaviour change.
A total weight loss of between 15% and 21% is achievable after 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle interventions like increased movement and better nutritional choices.
How fast do you lose weight on Mounjaro?
Studies show that Mounjaro can help patients achieve significant weight loss, though it may take a few weeks to notice the effects because patients begin at a relatively low dose.
As a guide, on the recommended 15 mg maintenance dose, the median time to achieve a 5% total body weight loss is 12 weeks.
The exact speed of weight loss will depend on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, your level of physical activity while taking the medication and your diet. Managing these other lifestyle factors to optimise weight loss is why the holistic weight loss programme offered by Oviva, is so valuable for patients who are prescribed Mounjaro.
Can I get Mounjaro for weight loss on the NHS?
Mounjaro is approved for use by the NHS to treat type 2 diabetes and is awaiting approval as a treatment for obesity.
It was authorised as weight loss medication in 2023 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for adult patients who meet the eligibility criteria:
- BMI of at least 35
- Reduced by 2.5 for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds
- At least one weight-related comorbidity
Although it is not yet available on the NHS to treat obesity, it has been recommended for NHS use and approval will be considered before the end of 2024.
Am I still eligible for Mounjaro if I don’t have diabetes?
Mounjaro was initially approved as a diabetes medicine. However, new draft NICE guidelines recommend the diabetes medication for weight loss, and Mounjaro is expected to be available via NHS prescription to treat obesity by the end of 2024.
You’ll need to meet the BMI eligibility criteria to receive a Mounjaro prescription for weight loss purposes from the NHS. Eligibility criteria will be confirmed once the medication gains full approval as a weight loss medication.
How do I get my doctor to prescribe Mounjaro?
At present, you cannot obtain Mounjaro via NHS prescription for weight loss purposes. This is expected to change before the end of 2024.
Once approved, the means of obtaining a Mounjaro prescription through the NHS is likely to involve being referred to a weight management programme, like Oviva. You can be referred by a doctor if you meet the eligibility criteria to join a weight management programme. You’ll be able to check your eligibility by taking our simple online survey.
How do I take Mounjaro injections?
Mounjaro injections are taken via an injectable pen. Injections are taken under the skin in the stomach, upper thigh or upper arm. The injection can be self-administered at home. You can inject the same body part for each scheduled Mounjaro dose, but you should avoid injecting the exact same site every time.
Your Mounjaro dosage will gradually increase over four-week intervals. This is to help your body get used to the medicine and to minimise the likelihood and severity of side effects.
Can you drink alcohol on Mounjaro?
The relationship between the weight loss medication Mounjaro and alcohol is not yet fully understood. However, it’s generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption while taking Mounjaro. Alcohol has the potential to exacerbate some of the possible side effects linked to Mounjaro, such as nausea, vomiting and other stomach issues.
It’s advisable to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. That’s why it’s important to be part of a weight management programme like Oviva’s, where you have access to healthcare professionals at your fingertips.
Mounjaro should be taken alongside more widespread lifestyle interventions, and restricting alcohol consumption may form a key part of this.
Do you gain weight after stopping Mounjaro?
Without support and lifestyle interventions, patients often regain weight after stopping their Mounjaro medication. However, weight gain can be avoided or minimised with the right strategies. This is why it’s recommended to take the medication as part of a NICE-approved specialist weight management programme like Oviva.
The Oviva programme offers access to a free mobile app, which provides access to a full team of clinical experts here to support you. The app also makes it easy to self-track nutrition, exercise and other aspects of your weight loss journey.
Getting started on your weight loss journey
Mounjaro is an approved type 2 diabetes and weight loss medicine. It suppresses your appetite for weight loss, so you naturally eat less. By the end of 2024, it is expected to be prescribed by the NHS as part of a weight management programme, like Oviva. The Oviva programme offers live coaching from healthcare professionals and an app for tracking nutrition and activity. Our service is recommended to others by 97% of our patients.
Monitor your goals
Receive personalised recommendations to help you to work towards your goal. Log your food, mood, water intake, exercise and other health metrics using the Oviva app.
Keep a food journal
Snap photos of your daily meals effortlessly within the Oviva app.
Get meal analysis
Get an in-depth meal analysis instantly with a daily summary of your diet.
Stay connected
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Browse learning resources
Written by Oviva’s team of experts, explore advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation to guide you through the programme and maximise long term weight maintenance.
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