Mounjaro vs Wegovy Cost: UK Price Comparison

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) are once-weekly injectable treatments approved in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight alongside related health conditions. Understanding their pricing is essential when assessing suitable treatment options. In private healthcare, monthly costs typically range from £139 to £299.

As doses increase during treatment, realistic annual expenses usually fall between £2,300 and £3,600, depending on the prescribed dose and provider. NHS access remains highly limited due to strict eligibility criteria and long waiting times. This guide compares Mounjaro and Wegovy costs, explains NHS eligibility, outlines private prescribing routes, reviews insurance considerations, and evaluates the overall value of each treatment.

Key Facts on Mounjaro vs Wegovy Cost 

Summary: In the UK private market, Mounjaro and Wegovy are similarly priced at around £139–£299 per month (£2,300–£3,600 annually), while NHS access remains limited and restricted to patients meeting strict eligibility criteria.

• Both medicines are GLP-1–based injectable treatments given once weekly using pre-filled pens for structured weight management.
• Wegovy is approved by NICE for NHS use in specialist services for up to two years, but access is constrained by supply and local commissioning policies.
• Private prescribing remains the most common access route, with total first-year costs typically ranging from £2,500 to £4,200, including consultations and clinical monitoring.
• Most private insurance plans exclude weight management treatments, though coverage may apply when prescribed primarily for type 2 diabetes.
• Clinical evidence suggests Mounjaro may achieve slightly greater average weight loss (15–22%) compared with Wegovy (12–15%), although individual outcomes vary.

UK Pricing Comparison: Mounjaro vs Wegovy for Weight Loss Treatment

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) are prescription-only injectable treatments approved in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and related health conditions. Comparing their costs helps patients and healthcare professionals choose the most suitable option.

In the UK private market (mid-2024), Wegovy typically costs £139–£299 per month, depending on dose and provider. It is taken once weekly using pre-filled pens, starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, which is usually more expensive. Annual private treatment costs generally range from £2,400 to £3,600.

Mounjaro pricing is similar, with initial monthly costs usually between £189 and £229. Higher maintenance doses, such as 10 mg or 15 mg, may increase the monthly price. It is also administered weekly, beginning at 2.5 mg and increasing gradually based on clinical response. Yearly private treatment costs typically range from £2,300 to £3,000, depending on the provider and dosing plan.

Both treatments require ongoing use to maintain results, making them a long-term financial commitment. Total costs vary depending on the clinic, including consultations, follow-up care, and service packages. Patients should confirm the full pricing structure, including consultation, prescription, and monitoring fees, before starting treatment. Neither medication is available without a prescription, and both require supervision by a qualified healthcare professional.

Discover if Weight Loss Injections is right for you

• Clinically proven weight-loss treatments
• Support for healthy eating habits
• Expert meal-planning guidance

View All Treatments

NHS Access and Eligibility Requirements

Access to Mounjaro and Wegovy through NHS services remains restricted and is governed by strict clinical guidance issued by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). As of 2024, availability differs across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland because of regional commissioning policies and local formulary decisions, meaning access can vary depending on where a patient lives.

Wegovy was approved by NICE in March 2023 (TA875) for use within specialist weight management programmes, typically Tier 3 or Tier 4 services, with treatment usually limited to a maximum duration of two years. Despite this approval, NHS England implemented phased access due to global supply shortages. NICE recommends Wegovy for adults who meet defined clinical thresholds.

A BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² or above with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, or sleep apnoea may meet the clinical criteria for treatment. Eligibility is confirmed following a medical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber.

Treatment is provided within a clinician-supervised weight management pathway, including medical consultation, prescription review, and ongoing monitoring. This ensures treatment remains safe, appropriate, and supported with structured clinical guidance.

In some NHS pathways, continuation of treatment depends on achieving specific weight loss milestones, consistent with official prescribing guidance. Even where approved, access remains limited, with many regions operating waiting lists or restricting prescribing to selected patient groups.

Mounjaro received UK approval for weight management in 2024, although NICE guidance specific to obesity treatment is still in progress. While tirzepatide is already available on the NHS for certain patients with type 2 diabetes, access for weight management remains extremely limited, and most NHS regions have not yet introduced routine prescribing for this purpose.

Patients considering NHS-funded treatment should first consult their GP to assess eligibility and request referral to a specialist weight management service if appropriate. Waiting periods can be significant, often ranging from six months to over a year, depending on local demand and service capacity. Patients must also be willing to participate in structured lifestyle programmes, including dietary, behavioural, and physical activity interventions, as part of NHS treatment protocols.

Due to these limitations, many individuals currently obtain Mounjaro or Wegovy through private prescribing pathways, which offer faster access but require patients to cover the full cost of treatment.

How Much Private Treatment Costs in the UK

For many people in the UK, private prescribing is the main way to access Mounjaro or Wegovy. It is important to understand the full pricing structure, as the overall cost includes more than just the medication itself.

Initial consultations with private prescribers typically cost £50–£150. Some online clinics include this in the first-month package, while traditional private clinics may charge it separately. These assessments review medical history, confirm treatment suitability, and record baseline measurements such as weight, BMI, and blood pressure. Additional tests, including HbA1c or kidney function, may sometimes be required, adding around £50–£200 depending on the investigations needed.

Monthly treatment costs vary depending on the type of provider:

• Online prescribing platforms often offer lower monthly pricing, typically between £189 and £249, with medication delivered directly to the patient’s home
• Private GP clinics may charge between £220 and £299 per month, sometimes including clinical reviews
• Specialist weight management clinics generally range from £250 to £350 per month and may include structured monitoring and dietary support

Regular follow-up reviews are essential to assess treatment progress, adjust dosing, and monitor safety. These appointments may be:

• Included within subscription-style care plans, which are becoming increasingly common
• Charged separately at approximately £40 to £100 per consultation, usually monthly at first and less frequently once treatment stabilises

Additional expenses may also apply, including:

• Sharps disposal containers, usually costing £5 to £15, with disposal managed through local council services
• Costs related to managing side effects if additional care is required
• Travel expenses when attending in-person clinic appointments

Overall, the realistic first-year cost for private treatment typically ranges from £2,500 to £4,200, depending on the provider, prescribed dose, and level of clinical support included. Patients should confirm whether quoted fees cover consultations, dose adjustments, and ongoing monitoring. Trustworthy providers offer clear pricing without requiring long-term commitments, allowing treatment to be stopped if it is no longer suitable.

Clinics such as Mayfair Weight Loss Clinic operate within a regulated UK prescribing framework, offering medically supervised access to weight loss injections following a full clinical assessment. Mounjaro treatment at Mayfair starts from £189 per 4-week pen, equating to a minimum annual cost of approximately £2,268 at the starting dose. As doses increase based on clinical response, realistic yearly costs typically range between £2,300 and £3,600, aligning with standard private prescribing across the UK.

Mayfair’s pricing reflects a complete clinical service rather than medication alone. Patients receive a free medical consultation to confirm eligibility, and prescriptions are issued only after approval by UK-registered prescribers, with medication dispensed through a UK-licensed pharmacy. Ongoing oversight from a dedicated medical team supports safe dose adjustment and treatment monitoring. Medication is supplied with needles and a sharps disposal bin and delivered discreetly. Any suspected adverse effects should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Understanding Insurance Support for Mounjaro and Wegovy

Insurance coverage for weight management medications in the UK remains inconsistent and is often limited. Many standard private medical insurance policies exclude obesity treatments, as they are frequently classified as lifestyle-related rather than essential medical care. However, this approach is gradually changing as more evidence highlights the clinical benefits of these therapies.

Typical private medical insurance policies:

• Do not include weight management medications within routine coverage
• May provide support if obesity is linked to another insured medical condition, such as hypothyroidism
• Might fund consultations or diagnostic tests but exclude the medication itself
• Require prior approval before any treatment-related costs can be considered

Patients with private insurance should carefully review their policy terms, confirm exclusions, and contact their insurer before beginning treatment. Written confirmation of any approved coverage is recommended to avoid unexpected expenses.

Some employer-provided insurance plans include weight management support, although benefits vary widely. Patients should verify their individual policy details rather than assuming eligibility.

Health cash plans, including those from providers such as Benenden Health, Health Shield, or Medicash, generally do not reimburse prescription medication costs. However, they may contribute toward:

• Dietitian consultations, often with annual limits of £50 to £100
• Health screenings and diagnostic blood tests

Coverage may differ for patients with type 2 diabetes. If Mounjaro is prescribed primarily for diabetes management rather than weight loss, some insurers may offer partial reimbursement under diabetes treatment benefits. This usually requires clear clinical documentation from the prescribing healthcare professional, and patients should confirm eligibility directly with their insurer.

Some private clinics also offer payment instalment options, allowing treatment costs to be spread over time. While this can improve affordability, it does not reduce the overall cost of therapy.

Cost-Effectiveness Comparison: Which Medication Provides Greater Value?

Evaluating the value of Mounjaro and Wegovy involves more than comparing their monthly prices. A meaningful cost-effectiveness assessment must also consider treatment outcomes, side-effect profile, and how well each medication suits the individual patient’s clinical circumstances.

Evidence from major clinical trials highlights measurable differences in weight reduction outcomes:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) produced average weight loss of around 15–22% of initial body weight in the SURMOUNT-1 study, depending on the dose used
• Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) resulted in average reductions of approximately 12–15% in the STEP-1 trial
• Direct comparative data from the SURMOUNT-5 study indicated that tirzepatide led to greater overall weight reduction than semaglutide
• Both treatments demonstrated substantially stronger results than placebo or lifestyle changes alone

When assessing value based on weight loss achieved relative to cost, tirzepatide may offer slightly greater efficiency due to its higher average effectiveness at similar pricing levels. However, real-world outcomes differ between individuals, meaning overall value cannot be determined by averages alone.

Medication tolerability and continued use also play a crucial role in determining practical value:

• Both treatments commonly cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly during dose increases
• Clinical trial data indicate discontinuation rates of around 5–7% due to adverse effects, depending on dose strength
• If a patient cannot tolerate a treatment, its potential benefits become irrelevant regardless of clinical trial results

Several practical factors may also influence overall treatment value:

• Availability: Wegovy has faced supply interruptions in the UK, which can delay or disrupt treatment continuity
• Dose customisation: Mounjaro provides a wider range of dosing options, allowing greater flexibility for personalised treatment adjustments
• Ease of administration: Both medications use similar pre-filled pen injectors, and most patients report comparable usability

Long-term value also depends on sustained health benefits:

• Continued use is usually necessary to maintain weight loss, as weight regain can occur after stopping treatment
• Wegovy has demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the SELECT trial, whereas comparable obesity-specific cardiovascular data for Mounjaro are still developing
• Both treatments improve key metabolic indicators, including blood glucose control, blood pressure, and lipid levels

NICE has concluded that Wegovy offers a cost-effective benefit within specialist NHS weight management services when compared with standard non-surgical care. However, formal comparisons with bariatric surgery or tirzepatide for obesity treatment have not yet been fully established. Bariatric surgery continues to represent a highly cost-effective option for eligible individuals.

Ultimately, the most valuable treatment varies between patients. Individual medical history, treatment response, tolerability, and personal goals all influence outcomes. Consulting a qualified prescriber is essential to determine which medication provides the most appropriate balance of safety, effectiveness, and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mounjaro and Wegovy cost privately in the UK?

Private treatment usually costs between £139 and £299 per month. Annual expenses typically range from £2,300 to £3,600, depending on dose progression and provider.

Are Mounjaro and Wegovy available on the NHS?

Yes, but access is limited to specialist weight management services. Patients must meet strict BMI and health criteria, and waiting lists can be long.

Which is cheaper, Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Both medicines are similarly priced in the UK private market. The total cost depends on the prescribed dose, provider fees, and level of clinical supervision included.

Why do private treatment costs increase over time?

Costs may rise as doses increase to the maintenance level. Higher strengths usually cost more but are necessary for effective long-term weight management.

What is included in private treatment pricing?

Private fees typically include clinical assessment, prescription approval, medication supply, and pharmacy delivery. Some clinics also include monitoring and follow-up reviews.

Does UK health insurance cover Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Most private insurance plans do not cover weight loss medications. Some policies may cover related consultations or treatment when prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

How quickly can I start treatment privately in the UK?

Private prescribing usually allows faster access than NHS services. Treatment can often begin within days after clinical assessment and approval.

Which medication leads to greater weight loss, Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Clinical studies show Mounjaro may produce slightly greater average weight loss. However, results vary by individual, and suitability must be assessed by a qualified prescriber.