Strict rules as GPs start to prescribe weight loss jab Mounjaro

Prescriptions for Mounjaro jabs, to help people lose weight, will be available at GP surgeries in England from today - but only for those who meet very strict criteria.

NHS England says while the long-term plan is for the jabs to be more widely available, a staggered approach is needed to reach those most at need, manage GPs' workload and NHS resources.

The weekly injection makes you feel full so you eat less, and can help people lose 20% of their body weight.

GPs say they don't have enough doctors to deal with demand for the medicine and are urging people not to approach their local surgery unless they are eligible.

According to NHS England, the first group of patients who will be able to get the jab from their GP or a community clinic, will be those most in need.

This is people with:

• a BMI of 40 or over (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background)
• and four out of five of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea.

People will also get "wrap-around" care - including regular check-ups, support with exercising and advice on eating healthily.

But prescriptions for the drug will not necessarily be available from all local GPs. In some cases, they will come from other primary care services.

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Source: BBC News, 23 June 2025