What Can We Do When the New Prices Are Out of Our Range?

The recent increase in the price of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) has caused understandable concern across the UK. Many are asking:

• "Do I have to stop?"
• "Do I need to switch?"
• "Will I lose all my progress?"

These are not small worries. For those who have finally found something that works, the idea of stopping is frightening. And without clear national guidance in the UK, many feel unsure of what to do next.

At Weight Loss Wales, we understand this uncertainty — and we want to make one thing clear:

You should never have to manage this alone.

Weight Loss Wales is different from many clinics. We are entirely doctor-led. That means:

• Every decision is made by a registered medical doctor.
• Our clinicians helped shape the early treatment pathways for GLP-1 medications.
• You will never be left in the hands of underqualified staff.

Unfortunately, there are now a growing number of substandard weight loss providers, including some offering treatment without medical supervision. This is not just risky — it is dangerous.

When it comes to switching medication or dealing with price changes, you need medical advice from someone who understands the full clinical picture — not a chatbot or a generic customer service rep.

At Weight Loss Wales, you will always have access to a doctor you can speak to if you have questions or need to adjust your plan.

If you're considering a switch from tirzepatide to another treatment, it's not just about changing the dose. It's about preserving:

• ✅ Your progress — to avoid rebound effects.
• ✅ Your safety — making sure changes are made gradually and with supervision.
• ✅ Your peace of mind — knowing someone is looking after you.

Out of desperation, some people are turning to unsafe online sources. These carry serious risks:

• Counterfeit pens
• Incorrect dosages
• Contaminated products
• No help if something goes wrong

These are not bad decisions. They are desperate ones made when support feels out of reach.

But the risks are real. UK authorities including the MHRA have issued safety warnings about fake or unlicensed GLP-1 medications sold online.

• MHRA Safety Alert, 2023 11
  
• FDA Advisory, 2023 22
  

The safest thing you can do? Stay within a trusted, doctor-led pathway.

Switching between similar types of medication is not new. In diabetes care, for example, people have changed treatments for years due to cost, side effects, or availability.

Although there are no large trials yet showing exactly what happens when moving from tirzepatide to another GLP-1 medication, clinicians have years of hands-on experience in doing this safely.

A good doctor will:

• Leave a short gap before starting a new medicine.
• Begin with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
• Gradually increase if it is well tolerated.

This approach is already used in clinical practice and is backed by trial data from related therapies 3−53−5.

At Weight Loss Wales, your doctor can:

• Help you choose the best alternative to tirzepatide.
• Monitor for side effects and adjust your plan.
• Support lifestyle and nutrition alongside any treatment change.
• Be available if anything goes wrong.

You don’t need to navigate this alone.

For many, the fear is not just weight regain — it’s the possible return of health issues like:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Fatty liver disease

When price becomes a barrier, people often blame themselves. But this is not your fault.

What you can do:

• Talk openly with your doctor
• Join support groups
• Seek counselling if needed

No one should be left abandoned between prescriptions.

If thousands of people stop treatment suddenly without guidance, it affects more than just individuals:

• More A&E visits
• More GP appointments
• Higher NHS burden from preventable complications

Safe, doctor-led switching isn’t just better for patients — it’s better for the whole system.

At Weight Loss Wales, we are here to support you through price changes and medication transitions. You will always be treated by a doctor. You will always be able to contact us. And you will never be asked to compromise your safety.

Progress is not lost. It can be protected. But only with the right support. is not lost.

1. MHRA. Warning on counterfeit and unlicensed GLP-1 receptor agonists. MHRA Safety Notice. 2023.
2. FDA. FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use compounded products in this drug class. FDA Safety Communication. 2023.
3. Lingvay I, Catarig A-M, Frias JP, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5(4):275–286.
4. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989–1002.
5. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205–216.