Mounjaro (tirzepatide) remains one of the most effective medications ever released for type 2 diabetes and significant weight loss.
Since the FDA approved it in May 2022, millions have used it successfully, with average losses of 15–25% of body weight.
In 2025, access is easier than ever, but you still need a legitimate prescription from a licensed provider.
Many people feel confused about where to start, what their doctor needs to see, and how insurance plays a role.
This guide walks you through every real-world path that actually works today.
Whether you prefer in-person visits or telehealth, the steps below are proven and up-to-date.
Who Actually Qualifies for a Mounjaro Prescription in 2025
The official FDA label covers adults with type 2 diabetes.
Off-label use for obesity is extremely common when BMI is 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, etc.).
Most doctors follow the same criteria used for Zepbound (the weight-loss version of the exact same drug).
Age usually starts at 18, with no strict upper limit if you’re otherwise healthy.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot take it.
Providers also screen for history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
In-Person vs. Telehealth: Which Is Faster
Traditional primary-care doctors and endocrinologists prescribe it every day.
Telehealth platforms exploded in 2024–2025 and now account for roughly 60% of new Mounjaro prescriptions.
Popular services include Ro, PlushCare, Sesame, LifeMD, and Hello Alpha.
Telehealth appointments often happen the same week and cost $49–149 without insurance.
In-person visits can take 2–8 weeks to book, especially with specialists.
Both are fully legal and accepted by pharmacies.
Preparing for Your Appointment – What Doctors Look For
Bring recent blood work (A1C, fasting glucose, lipid panel, liver and kidney function).
Know your exact weight and height for BMI calculation.
List every weight-related condition you have, even mild ones.
Document past diet attempts, exercise programs, or previous medications.
Photos of old diet journals or gym logs help some providers.
Be honest about alcohol use and family history of thyroid issues.
How to Get Prescribed Mounjaro – Exact Step-by-Step Process That Works in 2025
Step 1: Decide Between In-Person or Telehealth
Choose telehealth if you want the fastest start (often same-week prescription).
Pick in-person if your insurance requires it or you prefer a long-term local relationship.
Both result in an electronic prescription sent straight to your pharmacy.
Step 2: Book the Appointment and Complete Intake Forms
Most platforms let you select “weight loss” or “type 2 diabetes/prediabetes” as the reason.
Fill out medical history honestly – they check for red flags automatically.
Upload labs if you have them; many services order blood work for you.
Step 3: Attend the Visit and Make Your Case Clearly
Start with “I’ve researched tirzepatide and believe I’m a good candidate because…”
State your BMI, comorbidities, and past failed attempts calmly.
Agree to lifestyle changes – doctors love hearing you’ll track food and move more.
Step 4: Get the Prescription and Choose Starting Dose
Doctors usually begin at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then move to 5 mg.
Some start directly at 5 mg if you’ve tolerated semaglutide before.
The script is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy within hours.
Step 5: Handle Insurance Prior Authorization (if needed)
Give your pharmacy your insurance info – they submit PA automatically.
Provide any extra labs the insurer requests within 48 hours.
Use the Lilly savings card while waiting (drops cost to $25 for commercially insured).
Step 6: Pick Up and Start Your First Dose
Call the pharmacy to confirm stock before driving.
Watch the 3-minute injection training video from Lilly.
Inject the first dose in the office or at home – both are fine.
Top Telehealth Services That Prescribe Mounjaro Right Now (November 2025)
| Service | Cost per Visit | Same-Week Appt | Accepts Insurance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ro | $99–149 | Yes | Sometimes | Largest provider, ships pens |
| PlushCare | $129 + membership | Yes | Yes | Best for insurance users |
| LifeMD | $75–125 | Yes | No | Very fast, good customer support |
| Sesame | $49–99 | Yes | No | Cheapest cash option |
| Hello Alpha | $79 | Yes | No | Popular on TikTok & Reddit |
| JoinMochi | $79/month | Yes | No | Includes coaching & scale |
All of these are licensed in all 50 states and send scripts to major pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Costco, etc.).
Insurance Coverage Quick Overview 2025
- Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and most Blue Cross plans: Cover with PA for diabetes or BMI criteria
- Cigna: Covers for diabetes, rarely for weight loss alone
- Medicare Part D: Usually covered with PA
- Medicaid: State-by-state, many now cover
Always check your specific plan – some employer plans removed PA entirely in 2025.
What to Do If Your Doctor Says No
Ask exactly why (no medical need, insurance, or personal bias).
Request a referral to an obesity-medicine specialist or endocrinologist.
Switch to a telehealth provider – different doctors, different comfort levels.
File an appeal with your insurance if denied (success rate ≈40%).
Consider compounded tirzepatide ($250–400/month) while waiting.
Never lie about your weight or labs – it can backfire badly.
Starting Your First Month – What to Expect
Week 1–2: Reduced appetite, possible mild nausea, slower digestion.
Week 3–4: Noticeable drop in food noise and cravings.
Average loss first month: 4–10 pounds, mostly water and glycogen at first.
Track everything in an app (MyFitnessPal, Lose It).
Stay hydrated (80–100 oz water daily) to cut side effects.
Plan high-protein meals to protect muscle.
Long-Term Success Tips from Real Patients
Most people who keep the weight off combine Mounjaro with:
- 100–150 g protein daily
- Strength training 2–3 times per week
- Walking 7,000–10,000 steps
Dose increases every 4–6 weeks keep progress steady (7.5 mg → 10 mg → 12.5 mg → 15 mg).
Plateaus are normal around month 4–6; tighten calories or add movement.
Never stop cold turkey – taper down with doctor guidance.
Summary
Getting prescribed Mounjaro in 2025 is straightforward when you know the exact steps.
Choose telehealth for speed or in-person for ongoing care, prepare your numbers (BMI, labs, history), and be honest during the visit.
Insurance usually requires prior authorization, but savings cards and coupons make the first months affordable even without coverage.
With the right provider and a solid lifestyle plan, most people start their first injection within 3–10 days of deciding to move forward.
FAQ
How fast can I actually get Mounjaro after my appointment?
Same-day or next-day pickup is common with telehealth. In-person may take 1–3 days for the script to reach the pharmacy.
Do I need type 2 diabetes to get prescribed?
No. BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with conditions) is enough for almost every telehealth and obesity-trained doctor.
Will my regular family doctor prescribe it?
Some will, many won’t. If they hesitate, politely ask for a referral or use telehealth.
How much does the first telehealth visit cost?
$49–149 one-time fee with no subscription required at most services.
Can I get Mounjaro if I’m prediabetic only?
Yes, many providers prescribe for prediabetes + BMI criteria to prevent full diabetes.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.