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Mounjaro NHS eligibility

Mounjaro NHS eligibility

Three things decide whether the NHS in England will prescribe you Mounjaro for weight loss today: your BMI, how many of five named conditions you have, and whether your GP practice takes part.

By Gary Atmos, Penzilla Editorial Team. Last reviewed 8 October 2026.

Step 1: your BMI

Since 23 June 2026 the threshold is 35. Before then, from 23 June 2025, the threshold was 40. People from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds subtract 2.5, so 32.5 qualifies. Calculate your BMI.

Step 2: count your conditions

You need at least four of these five:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Dyslipidaemia, meaning abnormal blood fats

From 1 April 2027, people with a BMI of 40 or more will need three of the five. Prediabetes does not count.

Step 3: your GP practice

On 1 April 2026 tirzepatide prescribing moved into the GP contract, and each practice chooses whether to offer the service. Passing steps 1 and 2 therefore gives no guarantee. Phone the practice and ask.

Worked examples

BMI 41, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol. Four conditions and a BMI over 40: eligible since June 2025.
BMI 36 with the same four conditions. Eligible since 23 June 2026.
BMI 42, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea. Two conditions: not eligible in any current cohort.
BMI 33, South Asian background, four conditions. The threshold drops to 32.5: eligible since 23 June 2026.

Why so narrow?

NICE approved tirzepatide in TA1026 for a far wider group: BMI 35 or more with one weight related condition. NICE also allowed the NHS up to 12 years to reach all of them. The cohorts are the queue.

Outside England

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run separate schemes. Your health board has the details.

Not eligible?

The private licence is wider: BMI 30, or 27 with a related condition. A first order starts at £90. Cheapest Mounjaro. Check the pharmacy first.

Questions people ask

Who is eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS in 2026?

Adults in England with a BMI of 35 or more and at least four of five qualifying conditions, where the GP practice takes part.

Does prediabetes count towards NHS Mounjaro?

No. The qualifying condition is type 2 diabetes.

Does type 2 diabetes alone qualify me?

Not for the weight loss cohorts. Mounjaro for diabetes control follows separate NICE guidance.

Will the NHS take over my private prescription?

Only if you meet the cohort rules.

Sources