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 on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through the NHS for eligible adults, but access varies significantly across the UK. Most people access Mounjaro through specialist tier 3 weight management services following a GP referral. However, many regions have long waiting lists, and some people choose private prescription options instead. This guide explains how to access Mounjaro through both NHS and private routes, what it costs, and what to expect from each pathway.
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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 — Eligibility and Waiting Times
Mounjaro is approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services, but access depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and regional availability. You typically need a GP referral to tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management services, where a multidisciplinary team assesses your eligibility.
- Eligibility criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease)
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults: Lower BMI thresholds may apply (from BMI 27.5)
- Waiting times vary dramatically: Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer due to demand exceeding capacity
- Regional differences: Not all ICBs have the same specialist services or medication availability
Ask your GP about tier 3 weight management services in your area and whether you meet local eligibility criteria. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point.
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 Mounjaro Access — Online Prescribing and Cost
Private Mounjaro is available through UK-regulated online prescription services without waiting for NHS referral. A licensed prescriber conducts an online clinical assessment (similar to an initial GP consultation) and issues a prescription if appropriate. The Mounjaro KwikPen is then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
- Typical private costs: £129–£250+ per month depending on dose and provider
- Dose titration: You'll start at 2.5 mg and gradually increase to your maintenance dose (usually 5–15 mg) over weeks
- No NHS waiting list: Private prescriptions can often be arranged within days or weeks
- Assessment required: All private providers conduct a proper clinical assessment — avoid any service that prescribes without consultation
Both NHS and private routes are legitimate. Private access is faster but costs significantly more. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you've started 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.
Do I have to pay for Mounjaro on the NHS?
No — if you're prescribed Mounjaro through an NHS specialist weight management service, it's free at the point of use (no prescription charge). However, you'll need a GP referral and typically wait for a specialist tier 3 assessment. Waiting times vary by region.
How much does private Mounjaro cost in the UK?
Private Mounjaro typically costs £129–£250 per month depending on your dose and the provider. Starting doses (2.5–5 mg) are usually cheaper than maximum doses (15 mg). Costs are not covered by the NHS, though some private health insurance may cover part of it.
How long do you wait for Mounjaro on the NHS?
Waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. In some regions, tier 3 services may have limited availability or may not currently be prescribing Mounjaro. Contact your GP or local ICB for a realistic timeline in your area.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS access is free but involves waiting and GP referral; private access is faster (days to weeks) but costs £129–£250+ monthly. Both routes require a proper clinical assessment. Choose based on your timeline and budget.
Is private Mounjaro (tirzepatide) the same as NHS Mounjaro?
Yes — the medication is identical. The only difference is how it's accessed (referral pathway) and cost. Private Mounjaro comes from the same manufacturers and is dispensed by regulated UK pharmacies, just like NHS prescriptions.
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.