Millions of NHS patients may face a wait of up to 12 years to access Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug positioned as a rival to Ozempic and Wegovy. While the injections are set to become available in March, the NHS’s stretched resources mean a slow rollout process, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
In the initial three years, only around 220,000 individuals will gain access to the drug—just 7% of the 3.4 million people in England with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related illness.
What is Mounjaro?
Marketed as Mounjaro, tirzepatide is an injectable medication that helps manage blood sugar and promotes weight loss. Similar to semaglutide—branded as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—Mounjaro belongs to the family of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.
Administered via weekly injections, Mounjaro slows digestion and alters hormone levels, creating a sense of fullness with smaller food portions. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it aids in weight management.
Former American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert credited Mounjaro for helping him lose nearly 60 pounds in eight months. “I feel better, more confident, and my body feels healthier,” he said.
Professor Jonathan Benger, NICE’s Chief Medical Officer, stated: “Tirzepatide and similar drugs can help people with obesity lose weight and lower their risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. But it’s important to note these are not a magic bullet.”
What are the side effects?
Mounjaro is not without risks. Common short-term side effects include nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and headaches. In rare cases, users have experienced gallstones or pancreatitis. Psychological side effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, have also been reported.
One UK patient, Susan McGowan, died following severe side effects linked to tirzepatide. Her death certificate listed multiple organ failure and pancreatitis, with the use of the drug contributing to her condition.
Side effects of Mounjaro – at a glance
- Nausea and sickness
- Heartburn
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Injection site reactions
- Gallstones and pancreatitis (rare cases)
Long-term:
- Weight loss
- Slower metabolism
- Muscle mass reduction
- Improved heart health in some cases
Despite the risks, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Mounjaro as a weight-loss aid in 2023. Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at MHRA, reassured: “No medicine is approved without meeting stringent safety, quality, and effectiveness standards.”
Is it the same as Ozempic?
No, while both Mounjaro and Ozempic belong to the GLP-1 agonist family, tirzepatide has shown superior weight-loss outcomes in trials. Patients using tirzepatide reported a 20.2% reduction in body weight, compared to 13.7% with semaglutide.
When will the NHS roll it out?
The NHS plans a phased rollout of Mounjaro, prioritizing those with the most urgent clinical needs. Over the first three years, 220,000 patients are expected to receive the treatment.
“The world will look very different in three years,” said Prof. Benger. “We’ve made the difficult decision to prioritize other vital NHS services and test delivery methods for thes
