Family doctors in England begin prescribing Mounjaro for weight loss
The NHS started a phased rollout of tirzepatide in general practice, starting with the people at highest risk.
Who feels it
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Patients
Rethink
Eligibility starts narrow; most people will wait for later phases.
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Prescribers
Rethink
New prescribing in general practice, with wraparound support required alongside the drug.
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Pharmacies
Adjust
More NHS scripts for the pen; plan stock with your wholesaler.
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Payers
Adjust
A large, phased cost that the NHS spreads over years.
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Sellers
Worth knowing
A big public channel, priced through national agreements.
What started
From 23 June 2025, GPs in England could begin prescribing Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management under a phased plan. Before this, NHS access was mostly through specialist weight services.
Who comes first
The rollout prioritises people with the highest BMI and several weight-related conditions. The NHS expects about 220,000 people to be treated this way in the first three years.
The condition attached
The drug comes with required diet and activity support. Practices had to set up how that support is delivered.
Why phase it
The eligible population is in the millions. Phasing spreads cost and lets the NHS build capacity before opening access further.
Source NHS England announcement and NICE funding variation, June 2025
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