Mounjaro NHS Criteria: Eligibility and Access Guide

Mounjaro NHS Criteria of the newest and most promising new treatments for managing obesity and aiding weight loss in adults. Mounjaro was developed by Eli Lilly. Its mechanism of action is as a Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receiver Agonist. Mounjaro acts to control the appetite, manage blood sugar levels, and cause a gradual decline in body weight.

In comparison to conventional treatments to assist in weight loss, Mounjaro interacts with and modifies the action of two pivotal hormones which regulate the body’s food usage and fat storage mechanisms. Mounjaro’s dual action significantly outperforms the previous GLP-1 only medications, including semaglutide, in the majority of clinical evaluations.

Why the NHS Introduced Mounjaro for Obesity Treatment

Obesity is one of the UK’s most prevalent health problems and is associated with serious health comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Addressing the growing health burden of obesity, the NHS provides and structured support services with evidence-based treatment options.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recognized Mounjaro as part of a fully integrated approach towards weight management and as such has prescribed Mounjaro for use in conjunction with healthier eating and exercising as it helps eligible patients lose a significant amount of weight. 

NHS Eligibility Criteria for Mounjaro

Mounjaro NHS Criteria is on the basis of availability and specific eligibility requirements. These requirements focus on the safe and appropriate prescription of treatment and the these specs target the individuals who are most likely to obtain the most benefits. 

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) Requirements

• Adults with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or more and 1 additional weight-related (type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnoea) health condition may be eligible. 
• In some instances, patients with a BMI of 30 and lower, 34.9 kg/m² may be eligible if the health complications with their weight are extreme. 
• In certain ethnic populations (eg. South Asian, Black African or Chinese), the BMI threshold may also be lower due to higher health risks associated with lower BMI.

2. Age Criteria

• Mounjaro is only for adults ages 18+.  
• Currently, the NHS does not recommend it to anyone under 18.  

3. Health and Medical Conditions

Patients must have at least one weight-related comorbidity, including any of the following:  

• Type 2 diabetes  
• High blood pressure  
• Heart disease  
• Sleep apnoea  
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)  

4. Previous Treatment Attempts

People who will get a prescription for Mounjaro must have already attempted lifestyle treatments which includes diet, exercise, and/or behavioral therapy. Mounjaro is for those who have not lost enough weight but have otherwise met the lifestyle requirements.  

5. Specialist Supervision

Mounjaro will only be prescribed as part of a Specialist weight management service which is normally under the care of a hospital team or NHS-approved obesity clinic. The Mounjaro service is a volunteer monitoring system which is designed to ensure the safety and track the progress and outcomes of the patient.  

How to Access Mounjaro Through the NHS

Accessing Mounjaro via the NHS is not as straightforward as asking your GP for a prescription, as it is a prescription-only medication. A referral is needed to a Specialist weight management service, where the patient will be assessed for eligibility for the service.

Step 1: GP Consultation

Initially, you must speak with your GP in your area about your concerns related to your weight and your previous attempts at treatment. They will consider your medical history and related conditions to assess your BMI, to see whether you qualify for a referral.

Step 2: Referral to a Weight Management Service

Once your GP determines weight management services fit your needs, they can refer you to a Tier 3 weight management service. This service is provided by a group of qualified professionals, including doctors, dietitians, and behavioural therapists, and will perform a detailed service.

Step 3: Assessment and Prescription

The specialist team will assess your situation and determine if you qualify for and if Mounjaro treatment is appropriate. Mounjaro will be prescribed to you only if you obtain full treatment approval, and after which you will be treated under supervision for your initial ‘starting dose’ of Mounjaro, with several follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

A management plan for your weight and Mounjaro prescriptions must be provided within the first week of the initial dose. This will include Mounjaro and management-therapy which will be your Mounjaro prescriptions, which will include nutrition guidance and counselling, exercise counselling, and behavioural support. 

Regional Rollout and NHS Availability

Mounjaro is available on the NHS with  a phased rollout by region within the UK. Some regions are providing the medicine through their Integrated Care Boards and some regions are still working on providing Integrated Care Boards.

This approach is careful planning which allows local health systems the time to prepare adequate resources and trained staff and supports to the health systems before a incorporated rollout on a broad scale to the rest of the country is initiated.

If a patient wishes to use Mounjaro, it is recommended to contact their local NHS Trust or GP practice to see if Mounjaro is prescribable.

Safety, Side Effects, and Monitoring

Mounjaro, like any other prescription medication, is not devoid of adverse effects, even if they might not impact every patient. Mounjaro’s most frequent adverse effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Uncomfortable stomach

Most adverse effects are mild and transient. Your body will most likely get used to the medicine and the adverse effects will subsist. There are, however, more serious adverse effects which occur infrequently and include issues with the gallbladder and pancreatitis.

Given its effects on insulin and appetite, Mounjaro will exclude medical supervision for those who have diabetes and on other glucose-lowering medications. To evaluate the efficacy of Mounjaro, periodic reviews are needed to assess and keep the patient safe.

Who Cannot Take Mounjaro

Mounjaro does not apply to everyone. The Mounjaro NHS Criteria guidelines leaves out:

• Individuals with severely complicated gastrointestinal disease
• Individuals with a personal or familial history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• People with severely complicated kidney and liver diseases

Healthcare providers will review your history before initiating treatment.

What If You Don’t Meet the NHS Criteria?

The NHS not qualifying everyone gives additional peace of mind when approaching the counselling sessions for Mounjaro. You could still take the counselling sessions for Mounjaro and still have a few other alternatives that are safe and effective.

1. Private Treatment Options

Mounjaro can still be accessed privately through NHS regulations from licensed UK pharmacies like Vital Meds. Mounjaro can be issued through private prescription to patients without the need of NHS prescription waiting times and referrals with the assurance of starting treatment.

2. Other Weight Loss Medicines

Clinically prescribed and proven to work for weight management are:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)
• Orlistat

Depending on your BMI and personal history, these could be prescribed.

3. Lifestyle and Support Programmes

Lastly, the NHS and private providers have support systems in place with no prescription involved that provide dieting and exercises for weight management.

Accessing Safe and Effective Weight Management Treatment

Mounjaro is an innovative and positive advancement in the treatment of obesity and for those individuals who find traditional methods of weight loss unsatisfactory. For now, private prescriptions represent the only accessible alternative for those adults who need help within the private healthcare system since the NHS is still restricted to those on the NHS. For now, Mounjaro can only be prescribed on the NHS to adults who meet the NHS medical weight criteria.

If you are uncertain about the criteria for NHS treatment and are considering the private route, please contact a registered pharmacy in the UK or a healthcare professional for information relevant to you and obtain an example.

Recognizing the importance of patient care, Vital Meds provides the fully qualified healthcare professional responsible for their patient’s ongoing health and medical wellbeing.

FAQs About Mounjaro and NHS Access