Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 21, 2025 · 8 min read
A Beginner’s Guide to Mounjaro for Weight Loss
If you are looking for a simple explanation of how Mounjaro works for weight loss, this guide gives you clear answers about the medication, who it is for, how to use it and how to access it safely in the UK.
Key Takeaways
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a weekly prescription injection used for treating type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. It copies natural gut hormones that help reduce hunger, control blood sugar and improve fullness, which can make it easier to manage your weight.
Who Can Use Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or more when linked with conditions such as high blood pressure or raised cholesterol. It should not be taken by people under 18, pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions.
How to Access Mounjaro?
Mounjaro can only be supplied on prescription. Online providers such as UK Meds offer a clinical consultation to check if it is safe and suitable for you, as it cannot be bought over the counter.
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What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a once weekly injection that contains tirzepatide, a medication used mainly for treating type 2 diabetes but also licensed for weight management. It acts on hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, helping you feel full sooner and reducing overeating.
Eli Lilly and Company explains that Mounjaro works best when used together with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Key Benefits of Mounjaro
Helps keep blood sugar at healthier levels
Reduces hunger and food cravings
Improves feelings of fullness after eating
Supports long-term weight management when used consistently
Is Mounjaro Approved by the MHRA?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is fully approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for use in the UK. This means it has been assessed for safety, quality and effectiveness for both type 2 diabetes and weight management.
MHRA Approval for Type 2 Diabetes
Mounjaro received its first licence in October 2022 for adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels remain high despite lifestyle changes. Evidence showed that tirzepatide can improve glucose control when standard treatments are not enough.
MHRA Approval for Weight Management
In November 2023, the MHRA also approved Mounjaro for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or between 27 and 30 when linked with a weight related condition such as raised cholesterol or high blood pressure.
This approval confirms that Mounjaro can be safely prescribed under the care of a qualified healthcare professional. NICE has also recommended its use for eligible NHS patients, with a planned phased rollout.
Indication | MHRA Approval Date | Who It Is For |
| Type 2 Diabetes | October 2022 | Adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise |
| Chronic Weight Management | 8 November 2023 | Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more, or 27 to 30 kg/m² with a weight related condition |
Who is Mounjaro Suitable For?
Mounjaro is usually suitable for adults with type 2 diabetes or those living with obesity who need extra help managing their weight. Healthcare professionals assess suitability during a consultation, taking into account your BMI, medical history and existing health conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
Suitability is based on clinical assessment. Factors such as BMI and medical history help decide if it is safe for you.
Is Mounjaro right for you?
If you want support with both blood sugar control and weight loss, Mounjaro may be an option. A clinician can help you understand if it fits your goals and health needs.
Can adults use Mounjaro?
Yes. Eli Lilly and Company confirm that Mounjaro is intended for adults who meet the BMI and medical criteria for treatment.
Can children use Mounjaro?
No. Mounjaro is not suitable for anyone under 18. This is set out clearly in the patient information leaflet.
Can pregnant women use Mounjaro?
No. Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy because there is limited safety information and animal studies show potential risks. Speak to your doctor about safer alternatives if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a medicine that acts on two key hormone receptors involved in appetite and glucose control.
GLP-1: Helps control blood sugar and slows digestion
GIP: Supports insulin production and appetite control
Because Mounjaro works on both receptors, it has a dual action that improves metabolic health and makes weight loss more achievable.
Dual Benefits of Mounjaro
Weight loss: Helps reduce cravings, limits overeating and improves fullness
Diabetes support: Improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels
Who Can Use Mounjaro?
Clinicians usually prescribe Mounjaro for adults who meet the BMI criteria for treatment:
BMI of 30 or higher
BMI of 27 or higher with a linked health condition such as high cholesterol or hypertension
Who Should Not Use Mounjaro?
Anyone under 18
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis
Individuals with severe digestive problems
Mounjaro Dosages and How to Use It
Mounjaro is injected once a week. The recommended dose schedule usually starts low and is increased gradually.
Week | Dosage |
| 1-4 | 2.5mg |
| 5+ | 5mg |
| Further adjustments | 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, or 15mg as prescribed |
What to do if you miss a dose of Mounjaro?
Eli Lilly and Company advise taking a missed dose within four days. If more than four days have passed, skip the dose and continue with your usual weekly schedule. Avoid taking two doses within three days.
How to Use Mounjaro
Choose an injection site such as the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
Check the pen is intact and set to the correct dose.
Inject the medicine by pressing the pen firmly against your skin for five seconds.
Dispose of the needle safely using a sharps container.
How Effective is Mounjaro for Weight Loss?
Mounjaro is one of the most effective weight loss treatments available today, with studies showing average weight loss of 15–20 percent after 52 weeks.
Clinical evidence shows:
76 percent of users lose at least five percent of their weight
It is more than twice as likely to produce 10 percent weight loss than older treatments
It is three times more likely to produce 15 percent weight loss than other GLP-1 weight loss medicines
May 2025 Clinical Trial: Mounjaro vs Wegovy
If you want to compare the latest evidence on weight loss outcomes, read the May 2025 clinical trial summary here: Mounjaro or Wegovy 2025 Trial Results.
Mounjaro vs Other Weight Loss Medications
Medication | How It Works | Dosing | Weight Loss |
| Mounjaro | Targets GLP-1 & GIP to reduce appetite & improve insulin response | Once weekly | 15-20% weight loss |
| Wegovy | Targets GLP-1 to suppress appetite | Once weekly | 10-15% weight loss |
| Saxenda | Targets GLP-1, but requires daily injections | Daily | 5-10% weight loss |
Mounjaro is generally more effective because of its dual receptor action.
Does Mounjaro Have Side Effects?
Like all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects. Most are mild and improve as your body gets used to the treatment.
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Lower appetite
Mild stomach discomfort
Less common but more serious side effects include:
Severe stomach pain
Gallbladder issues
Rare thyroid tumours
If you experience severe symptoms, stop taking Mounjaro and get medical help straight away.
How to Get Mounjaro in the UK?
Mounjaro is a prescription only medicine, so you cannot buy it without clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber.
How to Order Mounjaro Online at UK Meds
Complete the online consultation to confirm your suitability.
Receive your private prescription if approved.
Have your order delivered discreetly to your home.
You can order your treatment from UK Meds. All requests for prescription medication are reviewed by a registered independent prescriber.
Final Thoughts
Mounjaro offers one of the most effective weight loss options available today, especially for people living with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Its dual action on hunger and blood sugar makes it a strong long-term solution when used with lifestyle changes.
If you want to explore whether Mounjaro is right for you, speak with a healthcare professional who can assess your health and guide you safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?
Mounjaro often produces greater weight loss than Wegovy (semaglutide) because it targets two hormone receptors rather than one.
How quickly will I see results?
Many people notice weight loss within four to eight weeks, with larger changes appearing within three to six months.
Can I take Mounjaro long term?
Yes. Mounjaro can be used long term for weight management and type 2 diabetes, as long as it is monitored by a healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. Always speak to a medical professional before starting new treatment.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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