The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
5mg Mounjaro Cost in the UK — NHS and Private Routes
The cost of 5mg Mounjaro in the UK depends on whether you access it through the NHS or privately. On the NHS, there is no direct patient cost if prescribed through a tier 3 specialist weight management service, though waiting lists can be lengthy and regional availability varies significantly. Privately, 5mg Mounjaro typically costs between £145–£200 per month through GPhC-registered online pharmacies, following a clinical assessment. This introductory dose (also called the starting dose) is used during weeks 1–4 of treatment before dose escalation. Understanding your options and eligibility can help you make an informed decision about weight management.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
NHS Access and Eligibility for Mounjaro
Accessing Mounjaro through the NHS involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, typically from your GP. Eligibility criteria include a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds may apply (BMI 27.5 or above). Once prescribed, there is no direct patient cost on the NHS.
However, NHS access varies significantly by region and local Integrated Care Board (ICB) decisions. Many areas have substantial waiting lists, sometimes lasting months or years. Specialist services assess whether tirzepatide is appropriate for you, and they manage dose titration from the 2.5mg starting dose through to maximum 15mg. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist weight management services, though funding and availability remain inconsistent across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Private Mounjaro Cost and Access Route
Private prescribing for 5mg Mounjaro in the UK typically costs £145–£200 per month through GPhC-registered online pharmacies. This includes the online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber and the medication itself. Private access does not require NHS referral or waiting lists—you can begin the assessment process immediately.
The 5mg dose is the first maintenance dose after your 2.5mg starting injection (weeks 1–4). After private assessment, if approved, your KwikPen is dispensed and shipped to your home. Private costs vary by provider and dose; higher doses (10mg, 15mg) cost proportionally more. Many people choose private access to avoid NHS waiting lists, though private treatment remains an ongoing cost. Compare providers carefully and ensure they are GPhC-registered before using any online prescribing service.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Is 5mg Mounjaro free on the NHS?
If prescribed through an NHS tier 3 specialist weight management service, there is no direct patient cost. However, NHS access requires referral from your GP and varies by region; many areas have long waiting lists. Private access through online pharmacies typically costs £145–£200 monthly.
What is the 5mg dose used for?
5mg is the first maintenance dose of Mounjaro, used from weeks 5–8 after your initial 2.5mg starting dose. Your prescriber will assess your response before potentially increasing to 7.5mg, 10mg, or higher doses over several weeks.
How do I access Mounjaro privately in the UK?
Complete an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. If approved, you receive a prescription and your Mounjaro KwikPen is dispensed and delivered. This route avoids NHS waiting lists but requires ongoing private payment.
Can I switch from NHS to private Mounjaro?
Yes, you can transition between NHS and private routes, though your prescriber should manage any changes. Discuss with your NHS specialist or GP before switching to ensure safe continuity of care and appropriate dose management.
Does private Mounjaro cost include clinical monitoring?
Private prescribing includes the initial online assessment. Ongoing monitoring varies by provider; some offer follow-up check-ins, while others provide basic support. Always clarify what follow-up is included before starting treatment.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.