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
5th Dose Mounjaro — UK Cost and Access Guide
If you're progressing through Mounjaro treatment in the UK, understanding what to expect at your fifth dose is important for managing both your health journey and costs. The 5th dose represents a significant milestone in the Mounjaro titration schedule, typically involving the 12.5 mg strength. This guide explains the dose progression, UK access routes, and what the treatment costs, so you can make informed decisions about your weight management options alongside your GP or healthcare professional.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
Mounjaro 5th Dose and Titration Schedule
The fifth dose of Mounjaro marks approximately week 17 of your treatment journey. Your prescriber will have guided you through a careful dose titration schedule starting at 2.5 mg, escalating every 4 weeks: 2.5 mg (weeks 1–4), 5 mg (weeks 5–8), 7.5 mg (weeks 9–12), 10 mg (weeks 13–16), and finally 12.5 mg (week 17 onwards). Each dose increase allows your body to adjust to the medication. The 12.5 mg dose is often an effective maintenance level, though some patients progress to the maximum 15 mg dose on the subsequent cycle. At this stage, you should have established how well tirzepatide works for you individually—results vary significantly between people. Your prescriber will assess whether to continue at 12.5 mg, escalate to 15 mg, or maintain your current dose based on your weight loss progress and any side effects you're experiencing.
- 12.5 mg is the 5th dose strength in the Mounjaro escalation plan
- Represents approximately 17 weeks into treatment
- Requires a valid UK prescription from a licensed prescriber
- Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of doses (4 pens for a full 16-week cycle)
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.
Cost and Access Routes for Mounjaro in the UK
In the UK, you can access Mounjaro through two main routes: NHS specialist services or private prescription. If you're already on treatment through your NHS specialist weight management service, continuing to your 5th dose is covered by the NHS—no additional cost to you. However, NHS waiting lists are often lengthy, and availability varies significantly by region (ICB). For private access, you'll pay per dose. Typical private prescription costs for Mounjaro range from approximately £130 to £320 per month depending on the dose and provider, with the 12.5 mg dose usually at the higher end of this range. Access is via an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, who will assess your eligibility and medical history before issuing a prescription to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore what reaching this milestone might mean for your projected outcomes.
- 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.
How much does the 5th dose of Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £130–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. The 12.5 mg dose (5th dose) is usually towards the higher end. Each KwikPen (4 doses/weeks supply) may cost £130–£160. Always check current pricing with your chosen provider, as costs can vary.
Can I get Mounjaro's 5th dose free on the NHS?
Yes, if you're already receiving Mounjaro through an NHS specialist tier 3 weight management service, continuing to your 5th dose is free. However, initial NHS access requires specialist referral and can involve long waiting lists depending on your region and local ICB (Integrated Care Board) availability.
How long between the 4th and 5th doses of Mounjaro?
The 4th dose (10 mg) typically runs weeks 13–16. You then progress to the 5th dose (12.5 mg) at week 17. Like all Mounjaro doses, you inject once weekly, so the transition occurs after exactly 4 weeks on the 10 mg dose, assuming your prescriber confirms escalation is appropriate.
Do I need a new prescription for each Mounjaro dose increase?
Not necessarily. Your initial prescription typically covers your entire titration schedule with dose escalations outlined. However, your prescriber may issue new prescriptions at key intervals to reassess your progress, side effects, and suitability before escalating. Always confirm with your prescriber or pharmacy.
What happens if I can't afford the 5th dose privately?
If cost becomes a barrier, discuss options with your prescriber. You may pause treatment temporarily, explore NHS referral options in your area, or discuss whether a lower dose is still effective for you. Never stop injecting without guidance—your prescriber can advise on safe discontinuation.
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.