Could You Soon Get Mounjaro on the High Street? NHS Considers Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Jabs

There’s been a major development in the world of GLP-1 medications here in the UK—one that could potentially change how millions of people access support for obesity and weight-related conditions.

According to a new report by Sky News, the NHS is exploring a radical new approach: making weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro available over the counter at high street pharmacies such as Boots and Superdrug.

If approved, this would allow people to access these powerful treatments after a brief consultation at the pharmacy—without the long wait for specialist NHS weight management services. Here’s what we know so far, what the experts are saying, and what this could mean for people already on Mounjaro or considering it.

Why This Could Be a Big Deal

Currently, GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are available through NHS specialist weight management services—but access is limited.

Even though an estimated 15 million people in the UK may meet the criteria for treatment, fewer than 50,000 have actually received weight-loss injections via the NHS so far. The bottleneck? Strict eligibility criteria, long waiting times, and limited capacity within Tier 3 and Tier 4 obesity clinics.

Now, the NHS is reportedly working on a new pilot scheme that would bypass those clinics altogether. Instead, patients could get GLP-1 medication directly from pharmacies—paying only the standard NHS prescription fee of £9.90.

This shift could dramatically improve access, especially for people in lower-income or high-obesity areas, where long NHS waiting lists are often the norm.

What Would the Process Look Like?

Under the proposed plan, you wouldn’t just walk in and pick up a box of Mounjaro off the shelf. Instead, the model would resemble how some pharmacies already prescribe contraception or antibiotics.

Here’s how it could work:

• You book a consultation with a pharmacist (likely in person).
• The pharmacist reviews your health history, checks your BMI and any co-morbidities, and decides whether a GLP-1 prescription is appropriate.
• If you’re eligible, you receive the medication at the counter, paying the £9.90 NHS fee.

Some sources, including The Times, report that this approach is part of a government-backed pilot with support from pharmaceutical companies—potentially targeting areas with higher levels of deprivation.

For comparison, people who access these treatments privately in the UK currently pay anywhere from £150 to £300 per month—sometimes more, depending on the pharmacy and brand.

What’s the Evidence Behind GLP-1s Like Wegovy and Mounjaro?

We’ve covered this in other posts, but it’s worth revisiting the science—especially for those who might be new to the idea of these treatments.

GLP-1 medications mimic hormones your body already produces, helping to regulate appetite, food intake, and insulin response. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce body weight:

• Wegovy users lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
• Mounjaro users saw even greater results—up to 20% or more in some trials, depending on dosage.

These figures are game-changing. But the benefits go beyond weight. These medications also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, improve cardiovascular health, and, in some cases, help with emotional eating and cravings.

What Are the Risks?

No medication is without side effects—and GLP-1s are no exception.

The most common issues people report include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sulphur burps (a less glamorous but very real side effect)

There have also been rare reports of more serious complications, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and thyroid problems. These risks underline why proper medical supervision is essential.

Take Mia Melville, for example. As reported by The Scottish Sun, she lost six stone on Mounjaro but experienced some pretty unpleasant side effects along the way. Her story is a powerful reminder that while GLP-1s are effective, they aren’t magic. They require commitment, support, and proper medical oversight.

What Does the Public Think?

A recent poll in The Guardian found that:

• 1 in 5 Britons would use a weight-loss drug if it were free on the NHS.
• 63% said they wouldn’t use one—even if it was free.
• Only 8% would consider paying privately.

These mixed feelings reflect broader debates about obesity, personal responsibility, and the role of medication in weight loss. But for many of us in the Life on Mounjaro community, we know that this isn’t about “taking the easy way out”—it’s about finally having the right tool for the job.

What Does This Mean for People Already on Mounjaro?

If you’re already using Mounjaro privately, this development could be a game-changer—potentially reducing your monthly costs from hundreds of pounds to less than a tenner.

That said, this is still in the pilot phase. No formal timeline has been announced yet, and there’s no guarantee Mounjaro will be included in the first wave of pharmacy-based prescribing. The focus may start with Wegovy, which was approved for NHS use in 2023 and is already stocked in some UK pharmacies.

But given Mounjaro’s superior weight loss results and recent fast-track NHS approval for type 2 diabetes, it seems likely that tirzepatide will soon follow.

What Should You Do If You’re Interested?

If this news has piqued your interest, here’s what you can do:

• Speak to your GP: They can assess whether GLP-1 therapy is suitable for you and may refer you to a weight management programme (although waiting lists are long).
• Stay informed: Sign up to our Life on Mounjaro newsletter, where we share the latest updates and tips.
• Avoid black market options: With demand rising, so too are unregulated and unsafe sources. Stick to licensed providers, whether NHS or private.

Final Thoughts

Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges facing the UK today—and for far too long, treatment options have been out of reach for the people who need them most.

Offering GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro through high street pharmacies could be the beginning of a more inclusive, more accessible era of weight care.

But it’s not just about access—it’s about support. Whether you’re new to Mounjaro or deep into your journey, sustainable results come from more than a jab. They come from building new habits, listening to your body, and having the right support system around you.

As always, Life on Mounjaro is here to help you stay informed, feel supported, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.

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