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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Can You Get Mounjaro From Your GP in the UK?
Getting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from your GP in the UK is possible but depends on your local NHS services. Some GPs can prescribe it through specialist weight management services, while others will refer you to a dedicated clinic. Many people also access Mounjaro privately through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. This guide explains both routes, costs, eligibility, and what to expect when requesting Mounjaro from your doctor.
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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 to Access Mounjaro: NHS vs Private Routes
NHS Route: Your GP cannot directly prescribe Mounjaro in primary care. Instead, you'll need a referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service in your local NHS integrated care board (ICB). Your GP can make this referral if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related health conditions). However, NHS availability varies dramatically by region — some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer, and some regions have very limited access. Not all NHS trusts currently offer tirzepatide through their weight management services.
Private Route: You can access Mounjaro privately without NHS referral through UK-licensed online prescribers. This typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on your dose, supply, and provider. Private prescribers assess your eligibility via online consultation, issue a prescription if appropriate, and dispense through GPhC-registered pharmacies. This route is faster (often within days) but is not subsidised by the NHS.
- Ask your GP about local NHS tier 3 referral pathways first
- If NHS waiting lists are too long, private access can be explored
- Both routes require clinical assessment and medical suitability confirmation
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 Your GP Will Check Before Prescribing or Referring
Before your GP refers you to specialist services or recommends Mounjaro, they'll assess your BMI, weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea), medication history, and contraindications. Your GP will also check whether you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid issues — all factors that affect suitability.
For private prescribers, the online consultation follows a similar process: medical questionnaire, weight and height confirmation, and a review of your health history. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your BMI before your GP appointment — this helps clarify whether you meet NHS eligibility thresholds. Your doctor will discuss realistic expectations: Mounjaro works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity, and results vary between individuals.
- 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.
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly without a specialist referral?
Not typically. GPs cannot prescribe Mounjaro in primary care. You need a referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your NHS ICB. However, private online prescribers can issue prescriptions without NHS referral — this is a faster but non-subsidised route.
How much does Mounjaro cost on the NHS?
When prescribed through NHS specialist services, Mounjaro is free like any NHS prescription (standard £9.90 prescription charge applies, or free if eligible). However, NHS access is limited and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private costs range from £129–£320/month depending on dose and provider.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro prescriptions?
NHS prescriptions are free (or £9.90) but involve waiting lists and regional variation. Private prescriptions cost £129–£320/month but are faster to access (days rather than months). Both require clinical assessment; both are legitimate prescription routes through UK-licensed prescribers.
How do I ask my GP to refer me for Mounjaro?
Book an appointment with your GP and discuss your weight and any weight-related health conditions. Ask specifically about tier 3 weight management service referrals in your area. Your GP can check whether Mounjaro is available through your local NHS services and make a referral if you're eligible.
What if my NHS waiting list is too long?
If NHS waiting lists exceed 6 months, discussing private options with your GP is reasonable. Private online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers can issue Mounjaro prescriptions within days. Your GP can still monitor your progress if you choose private access.
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.