Mounjaro & Wegovy Access in the UK: Navigating NHS Roll-Out, Inequality and Practitioner Readiness

Introduction

In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have reshaped conversations about weight management. Both have been hailed as breakthrough therapies, offering significant benefits for patients struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Yet despite their promise, access in the UK remains uneven. Supply shortages, strict prescribing criteria, and regional variation in NHS provision mean many patients face barriers. For practitioners, this landscape creates both opportunities and challenges.

This article explores the current state of access in the UK, the issues of inequality it raises, and how training helps practitioners deliver safe, confident care.

The NHS Roll-Out of GLP-1 Treatments

The NHS has begun providing Wegovy for eligible patients living with obesity, under specific clinical criteria. More recently, Mounjaro has also been approved for NHS use in type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, weight management.

Yet roll-out has been far from smooth. Reports highlight long waiting lists, regional differences in prescribing, and ongoing supply disruptions (The Guardian, 2025). These challenges raise important questions for practitioners about managing patient expectations and ensuring safe treatment pathways.

Inequality in Access

One of the main criticisms of GLP-1 provision has been the inequality of access. Patients in some regions are more likely to be offered these treatments than others, depending on local NHS budgets and prescribing policies.

For practitioners, this means navigating conversations where patients may have read about these treatments in the media but cannot access them locally. This highlights the need for clear communication, evidence-based alternatives, and referral pathways that prioritise patient safety.

Practitioner Readiness

Delivering GLP-1 therapies safely requires more than writing a prescription. Practitioners must be confident in:

• Assessing patient suitability

• Managing expectations around outcomes and side-effects

• Providing lifestyle and behavioural support alongside medication

• Staying compliant with evolving NHS and MHRA guidance

Without training, there is a risk of inconsistent care or unsafe practice. CPD-accredited courses prepare practitioners to integrate these treatments into practice responsibly.

Why Training is Critical

While Wegovy and Mounjaro offer powerful new options, they are not standalone solutions. Long-term patient outcomes still depend on sustainable lifestyle changes. Practitioners trained in both clinical management and communication skills can ensure patients receive holistic support — balancing the promise of medication with realistic, safe interventions.

At MJ Clinical Training, our GLP-1 course is designed to equip healthcare and wellbeing practitioners with the knowledge, compliance awareness, and consultation skills needed to deliver these therapies effectively.

👉 Learn more about our GLP-1 course: mjclinicaltraining.co.uk/courses/glp-1

Looking Ahead

With new treatments like CagriSema (a semaglutide–cagrilintide combination) already in clinical trials, the field of weight management is evolving rapidly. Practitioners who invest in training now will be better prepared to adapt to future therapies and maintain safe, compliant practice.

Summary

Wegovy and Mounjaro mark an important step forward in NHS weight management provision, but their impact is shaped by limited access, unequal distribution, and complex patient expectations. For practitioners, the key is readiness — having the skills, compliance awareness, and confidence to integrate these therapies safely while still prioritising lifestyle and behavioural support. With high-quality training, professionals can provide care that is not only clinically effective but also sustainable and patient-centred.