Who Mounjaro Is For

Mounjaro is a prescription weight loss treatment designed for adults who may benefit from medical support with weight management. It is often considered when previous attempts through diet and exercise alone have not led to sustainable progress, or when excess weight is affecting health and day-to-day wellbeing.

Treatment decisions are based on more than one number. Clinicians will usually look at BMI, medical history, weight-related health risks, and whether Mounjaro is a suitable option for the individual.

Typical Eligibility for Mounjaro

Mounjaro is commonly considered for adults living with obesity, or for people who are overweight and also experiencing health concerns linked to weight.

This may include those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of:

• 30 or above
• 27 or above with weight-related health conditions in some cases

Examples of weight-related concerns may include:

• High blood pressure
• Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnoea
• Joint discomfort linked to weight

Eligibility can vary depending on clinical guidance and individual circumstances.

Why BMI Is Only Part of the Picture

BMI is often used as a starting point, but it does not measure everything that matters.

Two people with the same BMI may have very different health risks, body composition, and treatment needs. That is why a proper assessment should also consider:

• Overall health
• Waist circumference
• Existing medical conditions
• Current medications
• Previous weight loss history
• Lifestyle factors
• Readiness for treatment

A broader view usually leads to better decisions.

How Ethnicity Can Affect BMI Thresholds

For some ethnic groups, health risks associated with weight can develop at lower BMI levels. This is particularly relevant for people from South Asian, Chinese, Black African, Black Caribbean, and other minority ethnic backgrounds.

For example, the risk of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease may rise at a lower BMI compared with white European populations.

Because of this, clinicians may use adjusted thresholds or consider ethnicity when assessing treatment suitability.

The aim is to reflect real health risk more accurately, not to apply different standards unfairly.

When Mounjaro May Be Suitable

Mounjaro may be appropriate for people who:

• Struggle with appetite or frequent cravings
• Find it difficult to maintain a calorie deficit long term
• Have regained weight repeatedly after dieting
• Want structured medical support
• Need additional help alongside lifestyle changes

For many people, treatment can make steady progress feel more achievable.

When Mounjaro May Not Be Suitable

There are situations where Mounjaro may not be the right option, or where extra caution is needed.

This can include:

• Certain medical conditions
• Pregnancy or trying to conceive
• Interactions with other medications
• Previous reactions to similar treatments
• Low BMI or treatment not clinically appropriate
• Specific digestive concerns

A clinician should assess suitability before treatment begins.

Why a Consultation Still Matters

Even if you believe you meet common criteria, treatment should never be based on self-assessment alone.

A proper consultation allows a qualified prescriber to review:

• Eligibility
• Safety
• Goals and expectations
• Potential benefits
• Whether another option may suit you better

Good prescribing should always be personalised.

Is Mounjaro Only for Severe Obesity?

No. While Mounjaro is often associated with higher BMI ranges, some people who are overweight with related health risks may also be eligible.

The decision depends on health impact and clinical need, not appearance alone.

Final Thoughts

Mounjaro is designed for adults who may benefit from medical support with weight management, particularly where excess weight is affecting health or previous efforts have not been sustainable.

BMI is useful, but it is only one part of the assessment.

The best way to know if Mounjaro is right for you is through a safe, clinician-led consultation that considers your full circumstances.