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
Can Anyone Take Mounjaro? UK Eligibility & Cost Guide
No, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not suitable for everyone, and access in the UK depends on whether you go through the NHS or private route. Eligibility is based on BMI, weight-related health conditions, and individual health factors. Understanding who can access Mounjaro, what it costs, and the different routes to getting it is essential before pursuing this prescription-only weight loss treatment. This guide covers UK-specific eligibility, cost, and access pathways.
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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.
UK Eligibility Criteria for Mounjaro
You may be eligible for Mounjaro in the UK if you:
- Have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- Have a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have been assessed by a healthcare professional
Lower thresholds apply if you are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage — eligibility may start at BMI 27.5 or above, as these populations face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. Use our free BMI calculator above to check where you fall and assess your potential eligibility based on your height and current weight.
You cannot take Mounjaro if you: are under 18, pregnant or planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, have a history of medullary thyroid cancer, have thyroid issues, are allergic to tirzepatide, or have severe stomach or digestion problems.
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 Access & Cost in the UK
NHS Access: Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4), but access is limited and regional. You'll need a GP referral, and waiting lists can be months to years depending on your area. Not all integrated care boards (ICBs) offer it, and criteria are strict.
Private Access: Available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultation, typically costing £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. A private prescription requires a clinical assessment to confirm suitability. You then collect from a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The online consultation process is straightforward: complete a health questionnaire, have a brief video or phone consultation with a UK doctor, and if approved, receive your prescription and arrange delivery.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Both are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Cost and availability are similar through private routes, but individual circumstances determine which is more appropriate.
Before starting Mounjaro, a prescriber will assess your medical history, current medications, and health goals. Private prescribers typically respond within 24–48 hours. Once prescribed, you receive a Mounjaro KwikPen (a pre-filled injection pen) with 4 weeks of doses. Pens must be stored in a fridge until use, then can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days after first injection. Track your weight loss progress using our free progress tracker to monitor changes alongside lifestyle modifications. Remember: Mounjaro works best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — medication alone is not enough.
- 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?
Yes, Mounjaro is NHS-approved for weight management through specialist tier 3 services, but availability is very limited and regional. You'll need a GP referral and may face a long waiting list. Private access is more readily available but requires payment of approximately £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1 only. Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection starting at 2.5 mg and reaching 15 mg maximum. Wegovy is also once-weekly but reaches 2.4 mg maximum. Clinical trial results and costs are comparable; a prescriber will advise which suits you better based on your health profile.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. Prices vary as different pharmacies set their own fees. This does not include the private consultation fee, which is usually £20–£50. Always clarify total costs including both consultation and medication before committing.
Can I get Mounjaro if I have type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Having type 2 diabetes or prediabetes is a weight-related health condition that may qualify you for Mounjaro even if your BMI is 27–29.9. However, your prescriber will assess your individual circumstances, medications, and whether Mounjaro is appropriate alongside your existing diabetes treatment. A GP or specialist must manage any dose adjustments to diabetes medications.
What happens during a private Mounjaro consultation?
You'll complete a health questionnaire covering weight, medical history, medications, and allergies. A UK-licensed prescriber then reviews this and may conduct a brief video or phone call to confirm suitability. If approved, they issue a prescription which you take to a pharmacy. The whole process typically takes 24–48 hours. You must be assessed as clinically appropriate before a prescription is issued.
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.