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 Mounjaro Cause Gout?
Gout is not listed as a common side effect of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in clinical trials or the UK prescribing information. However, gradual weight management from any medication or diet can trigger gout attacks in people with a history of gout, because it temporarily increases uric acid levels in the blood. If you have gout or a history of gout attacks, it's important to discuss this with your GP before starting Mounjaro, as they may recommend preventive measures or monitoring. Individual responses vary, and your prescriber can advise on whether this medication is suitable for you.
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.
Mounjaro, Weight Loss, and Gout Risk
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping to reduce appetite and support weight loss when combined with diet and physical activity. In the SURMOUNT clinical trials, gout was not reported as a common side effect, even though participants experienced significant weight loss (15–21% of body weight on average).
However, gradual weight management from any source—whether through medication, diet, or exercise—can temporarily raise uric acid levels in the blood. This happens because fat cells release uric acid when they break down, and dehydration during weight loss can concentrate uric acid further. For people with a personal or family history of gout, this temporary increase can trigger an acute gout attack, even if they have never experienced symptoms before.
- Gout attacks occur when uric acid crystals form in joints, causing sudden pain and inflammation
- Weight loss is actually recommended by rheumatologists for people with gout, as excess weight increases gout risk long-term
- The initial gout risk is highest in the first few weeks of weight loss, as uric acid levels spike
- Staying well hydrated and limiting purine-rich foods can help reduce attack risk during treatment
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.
What to Do If You Have Gout
If you have active gout or a history of gout attacks, tell your GP or prescriber before starting Mounjaro. They may recommend:
- Starting a uric acid-lowering medication (such as allopurinol) before or at the same time as Mounjaro
- Taking a short-term anti-inflammatory medication or colchicine to prevent attacks during initial weight loss
- Increasing water intake to keep uric acid dilute in the bloodstream
- Slowing the rate of weight loss to allow uric acid levels to stabilise gradually
- Monitoring uric acid levels with blood tests during treatment
Many people with gout take Mounjaro successfully with proper medical support. The key is planning ahead with your healthcare team. Your GP can assess your individual gout risk and prescriber can choose the right dose and timing for your situation. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential weight loss timelines, which can help your doctor plan preventive measures.
- 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 gout a known side effect of Mounjaro in the UK?
Gout is not listed as a common side effect in Mounjaro's UK prescribing information or the SURMOUNT clinical trials. However, gradual weight management from any source can trigger gout attacks in people with a history of gout, because fat breakdown temporarily raises uric acid levels. If you have gout, discuss this with your GP before starting treatment.
Can I take Mounjaro if I have had gout before?
Yes, many people with a history of gout take Mounjaro successfully. Your GP or prescriber may recommend starting a uric acid-lowering medication (like allopurinol) at the same time, or preventive medication during initial weight loss. Always inform your healthcare team about your gout history before starting.
How can I prevent gout attacks while taking Mounjaro?
Stay well hydrated, avoid purine-rich foods (red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, alcohol), and maintain a steady pace of weight loss rather than losing weight very rapidly. Your GP may prescribe preventive medication. Regular blood tests can monitor uric acid levels during treatment.
Why does weight loss trigger gout attacks?
When fat cells break down during weight loss, they release uric acid into the bloodstream. Combined with dehydration that sometimes occurs during gradual weight management, this can raise uric acid levels enough to trigger crystal formation in joints. This is temporary and usually manageable with hydration and medical support.
Should I choose Wegovy instead of Mounjaro if I have gout?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy carry the same gout risk from gradual weight management, as both cause significant weight loss through similar mechanisms. The choice between them depends on other factors assessed by your prescriber. Gout history alone does not rule out either medication—proper preventive planning is what matters.
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.