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
Best Alternative to Mounjaro in the UK
If you're considering alternatives to Mounjaro, Wegovy (semaglutide) is the most widely available GLP-1 weight loss option in the UK. Both medications work differently — Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only — and understanding the cost, eligibility, and access routes will help you make an informed decision. This guide covers everything you need to know about accessing Wegovy as an alternative, including NHS eligibility, private prescription costs, and what to expect from the online consultation process.
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.
Wegovy Cost and Private Prescription Access in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) is widely available through private prescription in the UK without requiring an NHS referral. Private prescription costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. Unlike Mounjaro KwikPen dispensing through specialist NHS services with waiting lists, Wegovy is readily accessible through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a brief online clinical assessment.
The cost difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy varies by dose. Starting doses (Wegovy 0.25–0.5 mg or Mounjaro 2.5 mg) are typically similar in price, but Wegovy's lower maximum dose (2.4 mg) generally costs less than Mounjaro's higher maintenance doses (10–15 mg). Private prescription routes offer faster access — often within days rather than months — but you'll pay the full cost yourself rather than through NHS funding.
- Dose escalation typically costs the same regardless of dose level with most private providers
- Some providers offer subscription models or bulk discounts for longer courses
- Prescriptions are valid for 28 days and must be renewed monthly with dose adjustments
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.
NHS vs Private Routes — How to Access Wegovy in the UK
NHS route: Wegovy is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. You'll need a GP referral, and waiting lists can extend from months to years in many areas. NHS prescriptions are free once approved, making this the most affordable option — but only if you can access it.
Private route: You can obtain Wegovy through an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber without NHS referral. The process involves completing a health questionnaire, having a brief video or phone assessment, and receiving a prescription within hours if approved. You'll then collect from a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private access is faster and assured, but requires you to pay the full medication cost. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different Wegovy doses and understand whether the investment aligns with your goals.
- 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 Wegovy cheaper than Mounjaro in the UK?
Not necessarily. Starting doses are comparable in cost (around £130–£180/month), but Wegovy's lower maximum dose (2.4 mg) often costs less than Mounjaro's higher doses (15 mg). Overall costs depend on your final dose and prescribing provider. Compare prices across providers, as they vary.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS instead of paying privately?
Yes, Wegovy is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3), but access is limited and varies by region. You'll need a GP referral and may face significant waiting times. Private prescription is faster but requires upfront payment.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials showed similar weight loss results (~15–21% for Mounjaro, ~15% for Wegovy), though individual responses vary. Mounjaro KwikPen access through NHS can involve longer waiting lists.
How quickly can I start Wegovy through a private prescription?
Most private online consultations are completed within 24 hours. If approved, your prescription can be dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy within days — significantly faster than NHS routes, which may involve months of waiting.
Are there other alternatives to Mounjaro available in the UK?
Yes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily GLP-1 injection also licensed for UK weight management. Both Saxenda and Wegovy are easier to access privately than Mounjaro, though all three require prescription and clinical assessment. Your prescriber can help you choose based on dosing preference and individual health factors.
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.