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 You Get Mounjaro Free On The NHS?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may be available free on the NHS, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. The medication is prescribed through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP practices. Eligibility depends on your BMI, health conditions, and whether your local integrated care board (ICB) funds the treatment. Many people in the UK access Mounjaro through private prescription instead due to NHS waiting lists and regional availability differences.
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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.
How NHS Mounjaro Access Works In The UK
NICE approval: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services in 2024. This means it can be prescribed free through the NHS if you meet eligibility criteria and your local health authority funds it.
How to access NHS Mounjaro: Your GP must refer you to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management service. These services exist in most regions but often have long waiting lists — in some areas, waiting times exceed 12 months. Once assessed by the specialist team, they decide if Mounjaro is appropriate for you.
- Referral required from your GP
- Assessment by specialist multidisciplinary team
- Prescription issued if eligible
- Monthly follow-up appointments typically required
- Free on the NHS once prescribed
Regional variation is significant — some ICBs fund tirzepatide more readily than others, and some regions have better-resourced weight management services.
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.
Mounjaro Eligibility And Private Access
NHS eligibility criteria: You may qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds may apply.
Private access: Many people choose private prescription due to NHS waiting lists. Through GPhC-registered online pharmacies, you can have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber and receive a private prescription. Costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Private access is faster but requires you to pay out of pocket. Use our BMI calculator to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with tirzepatide dosing.
- 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 completely free on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro is free on the NHS if prescribed through a specialist weight management service and you meet eligibility criteria. However, access varies by region and waiting lists can be very long. Your local integrated care board must fund the service. Private prescription is often faster but costs £129–£320 monthly.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro?
The medication is identical — tirzepatide 2.5–15mg in a KwikPen. NHS access requires a GP referral to specialist services, takes longer, but is free. Private access is direct via online consultation, faster, but you pay for each dose. Both require clinical assessment by a licensed prescriber.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB. Some areas have 3–6 month waits, others have 12+ months. Contact your local tier 3 weight management service for current waiting times. Private access typically takes 1–2 weeks from initial consultation to prescription.
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly?
No. GPs cannot prescribe Mounjaro under NHS guidelines — only specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services can. Your GP must refer you to the specialist service first. Private GPs and online prescribers can issue private prescriptions outside the NHS pathway.
What if I'm not eligible for NHS Mounjaro?
If you don't meet NHS criteria or your region doesn't fund tirzepatide, private prescription is available. You'll need a clinical assessment from a UK-licensed prescriber confirming you're suitable. Private providers typically have more flexible eligibility assessments than NHS services.
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.