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 I Get Mounjaro On The NHS?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss injection, is available on the NHS in the UK — but access is limited and varies significantly by region. NHS eligibility depends on your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and whether your local integrated care board (ICB) funds the medication. Many UK adults are turning to private prescription options for faster access. This guide explains how to access Mounjaro through both NHS and private routes, what to expect, and what it costs.
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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.
NHS Access To Mounjaro — Availability And Eligibility
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approved tirzepatide for weight management in 2023, and the NHS can prescribe it — but this does not mean it is freely available to all UK adults. Access is through specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, not your standard GP surgery.
- You must be referred by your GP to a specialist NHS weight management service in your local area
- These services exist in most regions but capacity is extremely limited
- Waiting lists can range from several months to 2+ years depending on where you live
- Your BMI must be at least 30 kg/m² (or 27+ with weight-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes or hypertension)
- South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds (27.5+)
- Specialist services conduct a comprehensive health assessment before prescribing
Regional variation is significant — some ICBs fund tirzepatide readily, whilst others have restrictions or do not commission it at all. Your GP can advise whether your area has funded access.
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.
Private Prescription Access — Cost, Speed, And How It Works
Many UK adults are accessing Mounjaro privately due to NHS waiting lists. Private prescription routes offer faster access (typically within days) without NHS referral requirements.
- Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (usually a doctor or specialist pharmacist)
- Clinical assessment based on your BMI, health history, and weight-related conditions
- Private prescription issued if clinically appropriate
- Dispensed by a GPhC-registered (General Pharmaceutical Council) pharmacy
- Costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on your dose and the pharmacy
- Starting dose (2.5 mg) costs less than maximum dose (15 mg)
Private access requires a prescription from a qualified UK prescriber — you cannot buy Mounjaro without one. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential results at different doses before starting treatment.
- 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.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Mounjaro in the UK?
NHS waiting lists for tier 3 specialist weight management services vary dramatically by region. Many areas have waiting lists of 12–24 months or longer. Some regions have shorter waits (3–6 months), whilst others have no funded access at all. Your GP can tell you the expected waiting time in your area or check your local ICB commissioning policy online.
What is the cost of Mounjaro on private prescription in the UK?
Private prescription costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on your dose. The starting dose (2.5 mg) costs less than higher doses. Some private providers offer subscription models or package deals. Always clarify the full cost with the prescriber before starting treatment, including any consultation fees.
Do I need a GP referral to get private Mounjaro?
No. Private prescription routes do not require a GP referral. You can access an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber directly. However, it is sensible to inform your GP that you are considering or using Mounjaro privately so they can monitor your health and any interactions with other medications.
Is Mounjaro the same as tirzepatide?
Yes. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide — a prescription-only dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide works by activating two hormone pathways that regulate appetite and blood sugar, making it different from single-mechanism GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide).
What happens if I cannot afford private Mounjaro?
If private costs are prohibitive, your options are: request a GP referral to NHS specialist services (though waits may be long), explore whether your GP can refer you for weight management support through tier 2 services, or discuss alternative approaches like behaviour change programmes and physical activity support available through the NHS.
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.