Supermarket launches weight-loss jab at £129 a month - but shoppers have one complaint

Supermarket chain Morrisons has launched an innovative £129-a-month weight loss injection service.

Shedding pounds can be a daunting challenge for many, and the buzz around tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, has been growing. Originally developed for diabetes management by lowering blood sugar and decelerating digestion, it's now catching eyes as a weight loss aid.

For the first time, English GPs have the green light to prescribe Mounjaro to those battling severe obesity. Previously, access to the drug was limited to patients enrolled in weight loss programmes.

The initial phase of its availability targets individuals with a BMI over 40, coupled with conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or obstructive sleep apnoea.

In the UK, approximately 1.5 million people are already using weight loss medications, obtained through specialist services or private prescriptions. Morrisons is stepping into this market by offering the weight-loss jab at a monthly rate of £129, reports The Mirror.

Morrisons Clinic outlines their service: "At-home, self-injectable pen designed to aid weight loss when injected once-weekly and used consistently. Our approach to weight-loss treatments is based on three core factors, designed with your long-term health as our priority."

They assure customers of professional care: "Our expert prescribing pharmacists are specially trained to review, consult and provide medications online. Your healthcare journey is in safe hands. Our services are delivered by a team of dedicated pharmacists, prescribers and clinicians."

Morrisons Clinic has announced that its sign-up fee will jump to £159 per month after the promotional period, sparking backlash from customers who accuse the Bradford-based supermarket of profiteering, as reported by The Sun.

Shopper Dave Carter didn't mince words: "It's genius really. The store sells you unhealthy grub that gets you fat, then wants vast sums of money to get you thin."

Another shopper voiced their disbelief on social media: "I didn't have @Morrison offering weight loss drugs (tirzepatide) on my 2025 bingo card.."

The criticism continued online with another comment: "Is this a parody? One of the culprits, pushing highly-processed food, is offering a fat clinic? !".

Beyond weight management, Morrisons Clinic provides services for various health issues including premature ejaculation treatments at £36.99, acne treatments at £17.99, erectile dysfunction medication at £13 and migraine relief at £15.99. With over 100 pharmacies nationwide, Morrisons insists that its weight management medications are "prescribed and dispensed responsibly".

In January, Morrisons unveiled the 'Morrisons Clinic,' an online service for private prescriptions developed in collaboration with Phlo. This initiative allows customers to obtain private medications swiftly, discreetly, and safely, delivered directly to their homes without needing a GP appointment.

John Parry, Head of Services at Morrisons, spoke about the online clinic they offer, stating: "We know how frustrating it can be waiting to see your GP for an appointment, so we're delighted to be launching the Morrisons Clinic. Our customers will now be able to order medication for a number of different health and lifestyle conditions quickly and conveniently, all at competitive prices."

Adam Hunter, Chief Commercial Officer at Phlo, expressed his pride in the partnership, saying: "At Phlo, we are proud to partner with Morrisons to launch Morrisons Clinic, a service designed to increase access to healthcare for patients across the UK. This partnership reflects the strength of our shared commitment to providing innovative, patient-centric solutions that make it easier for people to manage their health."