Overview

• Under new NHS guidelines GPs can now prescribe tirzepatide to patients with a BMI over 40 and at least four obesity-related conditions, covering around 220,000 high-risk individuals over three years.
• Mounjaro mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost insulin production, driving average weight loss of up to 20 percent of body weight in a year.
• The MHRA has received over 560 reports of pancreatitis and confirmed at least ten related deaths since the mid-June rollout, prompting expanded safety warnings and an ongoing investigation.
• Beyond typical gastrointestinal and energy issues, users have reported unexpected side effects including emotional “slow middle” plateaus, permanent taste aversion and severe hunger surges when doses are missed.
• Clinicians advise gradual tapering under GP supervision to avoid rebound hunger and recommend nutritional monitoring to manage appetite shifts and potential mood changes.