If you’re thinking of trying something different to lose weight, you might be considering Mounjaro.
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have become popular with people trying to lose weight in recent years, but how much do they cost? Here, we’ll explore a practical breakdown of Mounjaro’s pricing to work out whether it could be right for you.
How Mounjaro works for weight loss
Mounjaro is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. It’s used to treat obesity and related chronic health conditions by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite, slows digestion and tells the brain the stomach is full, keeping you fuller for longer. It also mimics GIP, another hormone, which changes how the body stores fat and may help boost metabolism.
In simple terms, people on Mounjaro generally don’t feel as hungry, don’t eat as much food and lose weight because they’re consuming fewer calories.
Lifestyle changes are important, too, but treatment with Mounjaro differs from lifestyle-only approaches. It’s intended for long-term use, with the benefits of treatment over a long period of time often outweighing the risks.
Breaking down the cost of Mounjaro
The average cost of Mounjaro in the UK can vary, but will be between about £150 and £350 per month, depending on both the dose and the provider. While this might seem expensive, you’re paying for the branded prescription drug itself, which will have a set cost to your provider, as well as the work that goes into approving the dose, managing it and monitoring your treatment as you progress on your weight-loss journey.
The value of Mounjaro beyond the price
While the pricing of Mounjaro might seem high, patients often consider it to offer value for money in the long run due to the convenience of administering the medication, the effectiveness of Mounjaro and the support you get to help you along your lifestyle journey.
If you’ve been trying to lose weight for some time but you’ve found traditional dieting ineffective, Mounjaro could be a worthwhile investment.
Tips to make the cost more manageable
If Mounjaro’s cost could be a stumbling block, there are things you can do. Speak to your GP or clinician to find out more about the total cost you might be able to expect, so you don’t get any surprises down the line.
You might be able to spread costs over time, or set aside a small amount of money each week so it doesn’t feel like a large chunk of money comes out each month. Consider a value comparison between the pricing and potential benefits of Mounjaro and the cost and benefits of other weight-loss approaches to help you decide what to opt for.
Although private insurance rarely covers Mounjaro in the UK, it is approved for use on the NHS, too, but coverage can be limited. Often, GPs will identify those who could be eligible and contact them first, rather than expect patients to reach out and request Mounjaro first.
To access Mounjaro on the NHS, you need to be an adult living with obesity as well as other weight-related health problems, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. People with a BMI of 40 or greater, as well as those with a BMI slightly under the threshold but from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, are currently prioritised.
Because the criteria to get Mounjaro on the NHS are stricter, and there can sometimes be limited availability and long waiting lists even for those who do meet the criteria, some patients opt for private providers instead. It’s cheaper on the NHS – free for those in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and £9.90 per prescription in England for those who aren’t exempt.
Is the cost of Mounjaro worth it?
Only you can decide this, and it depends on your budget and priorities. For a lot of people, the long-term benefits of Mounjaro to their health mean that it’s worth the price. If you consider the value in terms of your health over the coming decades, rather than just the immediate cost, you may decide that it is worth it.
If you’d like to find out more about Mounjaro and whether it could fit your goals and budget, talking things through with a healthcare professional like those at The Virtual Slimming Clinic could help you. We also offer a range of guides like this one, perfect for curious patients.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NHS cover Mounjaro?
Most patients access Mounjaro through private clinics, as the NHS has stricter criteria and Mounjaro isn’t routinely available. However, if your BMI is over 40, you could speak to your GP about the possibility of getting Mounjaro on the NHS.
How much does Mounjaro cost in the UK?
The monthly cost of Mounjaro varies, but patients can typically expect to pay between £150 and £350, depending on the provider and dose.
Is Mounjaro safe to use long-term?
Mounjaro is generally considered safe to use long-term under medical supervision, with the benefits usually outweighing the risk. However, monitoring is important, and patients should be aware of the potential side effects.
Explore more with Crave, your lifestyle magazine in the UK for food, wellbeing and travel inspiration.