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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Burping on Mounjaro: Why It Happens and How to Access Treatment in the UK
Burping and other digestive symptoms are common when taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management. This happens because the medication slows how quickly food moves through your stomach. If you're considering Mounjaro or already taking it, understanding both the side effects and how to access it in the UK — including costs through NHS and private prescription routes — can help you make informed decisions about your weight management journey.
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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.
Why Burping Occurs and Managing Digestive Side Effects
Burping on Mounjaro happens because tirzepatide slows gastric emptying — the rate at which food leaves your stomach. This delayed digestion can lead to gas accumulation, bloating, and belching. This effect is typically most noticeable during the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication, and often reduces over time as tolerance builds.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals — large portions increase gas production
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly — reduces air swallowing
- Avoid carbonated drinks and fizzy beverages — these add gas directly
- Limit foods that cause bloating — beans, cruciferous vegetables, high-fat foods
- Stay hydrated with still water — aids digestion without adding gas
- Ginger tea or peppermint tea — may help settle digestion
If burping is severe or persistent beyond the first month, discuss with your prescriber — dose adjustment or timing changes may help.
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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.
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Mounjaro Cost and Access in the UK: NHS vs Private Routes
Accessing Mounjaro in the UK depends on whether you use the NHS route or private prescription. Through the NHS, Mounjaro is available via specialist tier 3 weight management services following referral from your GP, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and can be lengthy. Privately, Mounjaro is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment, typically costing between £129–£320 per month depending on your dose and the dose titration schedule you require.
The Mounjaro KwikPen comes as a pre-filled 4-week supply, so costs increase as you reach higher maintenance doses. Using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you project expected weight loss and understand which dose might be relevant for your situation.
The online consultation process for private Mounjaro is straightforward: complete a health questionnaire, have a video or telephone assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, and receive your prescription if appropriate. Your medical history, current medications, and BMI are reviewed to confirm eligibility. Check the NHS NICE guidance on tirzepatide to understand the clinical criteria — you'll typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Individual results vary significantly — clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight, but your outcome depends on your diet, activity level, and how your body responds.
- 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 the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services. However, it is only available through tier 3 specialist services, not standard GP prescription. You'll need a referral from your GP and will be assessed by the specialist team. Waiting lists vary greatly by region.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on your dose and titration schedule. Each KwikPen is a 4-week supply. Costs increase as you progress to higher maintenance doses. Always confirm pricing with the prescribing service, as this can vary.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy in terms of cost?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) have similar private costs, typically in the £129–£320 monthly range. However, Mounjaro has a different dose escalation schedule. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand which medication and dose might be relevant for your weight loss goals.
Do I need a clinical assessment to get Mounjaro privately?
Yes. All prescription weight loss medications, including Mounjaro, require an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. They'll review your medical history, current medications, BMI, and weight-related health conditions to confirm eligibility before issuing a prescription.
Can burping and other digestive side effects be reduced?
Yes. Many digestive side effects, including burping, often reduce after the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Eating smaller meals, avoiding fizzy drinks, and limiting gas-producing foods helps significantly. If symptoms persist, your prescriber may adjust your dose or timing.
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.