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
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Where to Get Mounjaro in the UK: Cost and Access
If you're considering Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management in the UK, you'll need to access it through either the NHS or a private prescription route. The cost, waiting times, and eligibility criteria differ significantly between the two paths. This guide explains where you can get Mounjaro, what it costs, and how the prescription process works — so you can make an informed decision about your weight management options.
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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 vs Private: Access Routes and Costs
NHS access: Mounjaro is available through specialist tier 3 and 4 weight management services in the NHS. You'll typically need a referral from your GP to a regional specialist service. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, but availability varies considerably by region and integrated care board (ICB). Many areas have significant waiting lists — some patients wait 6–18 months for an NHS assessment. Once prescribed, Mounjaro is provided free on the NHS.
Private access: You can obtain a Mounjaro prescription through a private online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. The prescriber will assess your medical history, BMI, and eligibility. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose — see our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate costs at different doses. A Mounjaro KwikPen contains 4 weeks of injections, so monthly costs align with your dose escalation.
- NHS: Free when prescribed, but potential long waiting lists
- Private: Immediate access, but out-of-pocket cost
- Both require clinical assessment before prescription
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.
How to Access Mounjaro: The Process Step-by-Step
NHS route: Contact your GP and ask for a referral to your regional specialist weight management service (often provided by the local NHS trust). You'll be assessed against eligibility criteria, which typically require a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. After assessment, the specialist team prescribes and administers your Mounjaro injections. Check your local NHS ICB website for current availability and waiting times in your area.
Private route: Book an online consultation with a UK prescriber via a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. You'll complete a questionnaire about your health, weight, and medications. The prescriber reviews this and conducts a video or telephone consultation if needed. If eligible, they issue a prescription, and your Mounjaro KwikPen is dispatched to your home. Use our BMI calculator above to check your starting point before you apply.
- 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 Mounjaro available on the NHS in my area?
NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS weight management, but access depends on your regional integrated care board (ICB). Some areas have established specialist weight services; others have long waiting lists or limited availability. Contact your GP to ask about local services, or check your ICB website for current provision and waiting times in your postcode area.
How much does Mounjaro cost on private prescription in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your dose. Since you escalate doses over 20 weeks (starting at 2.5mg, up to 15mg), your initial costs are lower and increase as you progress. Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of injections. Costs vary between providers, so compare options before committing.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for cost and access?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections available via NHS specialist services or private prescription. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) typically costs £129–£320/month privately. Wegovy (semaglutide) is also available privately at similar costs. Mounjaro has a dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism, while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Private costs are comparable; NHS access depends on your regional availability.
Do I need GP approval to get Mounjaro on private prescription?
You don't need a GP referral for private Mounjaro, but a UK-licensed prescriber will assess your medical history, BMI, and current medications during a private consultation. They'll confirm you're clinically suitable before issuing a prescription. Your GP doesn't have to approve it, though it's recommended to inform your GP that you're starting weight loss medication.
How long does the private prescription process take?
The private consultation process is typically much faster than NHS routes. You can usually complete an online consultation within 24–48 hours, and if approved, your first Mounjaro KwikPen can be dispatched within 2–5 working days. This is significantly quicker than NHS waiting times, which can range from several months to over a year in some regions.
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.