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
Am I Eligible For Mounjaro On The NHS?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through the NHS, but access depends on your BMI, health conditions, and your local area. This guide explains NHS eligibility criteria, how the application process works, and what private options cost if you don't qualify or prefer faster access. Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about weight management treatment in the UK.
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.
NHS Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria
The NHS may prescribe Mounjaro for weight management if you meet specific criteria. You're generally eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27 to 29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI instantly.
Weight-related conditions that may qualify include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, obstructive sleep apnoea, or a history of cardiovascular disease. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply—your GP can advise on this.
However, NHS access is through specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, not standard GP prescription. You'll typically need a referral from your GP, and availability varies significantly by region. Some areas have lengthy waiting lists lasting months or even years.
Weight 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 Access & Cost Context
If you don't qualify for NHS treatment, have a long wait, or prefer faster access, Mounjaro is available through private prescription. You'll need an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber who will assess your suitability. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Private costs typically range from £150 to £300 per month depending on the dose you're prescribed. The Mounjaro KwikPen comes in different strengths, and your dose will be adjusted gradually over weeks—your prescriber discusses titration schedules and expected costs upfront. Costs may be lower at higher doses in some cases. Compare private options carefully and ensure the pharmacy is GPhC-registered.
- 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.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS access is through specialist weight management services and is free but may involve waiting lists and regional variation. Private access is through online consultants and GPhC-registered pharmacies—faster but you pay per month. Both require a clinical assessment; private prescribers assess your eligibility online.
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly on the NHS?
Not typically. Mounjaro is usually prescribed through specialist tier 3/4 NHS weight management services, not standard GP prescription. You'll need a GP referral to access these services. Waiting times vary greatly by region.
How does the private prescription process work?
You complete an online health questionnaire, have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, receive a prescription. A GPhC-registered pharmacy dispenses the Mounjaro KwikPen and arranges delivery. The entire process typically takes a few days.
Is private Mounjaro the same as NHS Mounjaro?
Yes—it's the same medication (tirzepatide). The difference is prescriber access, cost, and waiting time. Private prescribers follow NHS clinical guidelines for eligibility and safety, but you pay out-of-pocket.
How much does a Mounjaro dose increase cost privately?
Costs depend on the specific dose and provider. Most private prescribers charge per month based on your current dose (starting at 2.5 mg, escalating to 15 mg maximum). Get a cost estimate during your online consultation before committing.
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.