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?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available on the NHS for weight management, but access varies significantly by region and involves a specialist referral pathway. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS tier 3 and tier 4 specialist weight management services. However, NHS availability is not universal — some areas have longer waiting lists than others, and access depends on your local integrated care board (ICB). This guide explains how to access Mounjaro on the NHS, what the eligibility criteria are, and what to expect from the referral process. You can also use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point.
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.
NHS Access to Mounjaro — How It Works
Mounjaro is a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist — a weekly weight loss injection that may help support weight management alongside diet and exercise. Access through the NHS follows a structured referral pathway.
Step 1: Speak to your GP — Ask your GP about NHS weight management services. Your GP can refer you to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Specialist Assessment — You'll be assessed by the specialist team (usually at a hospital clinic or specialist centre) to confirm you're suitable for Mounjaro. This involves health checks and discussion of other weight management options.
Step 3: Prescription — If approved, the specialist team will prescribe and manage your Mounjaro treatment, monitoring your progress at regular appointments.
Important note: Waiting times vary widely. Some areas have waiting lists of several months; others may be longer. Regional variation in NHS provision is significant.
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.
NHS Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for NHS Mounjaro if you:
- Have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- Have a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition
- Have attempted weight loss through diet and lifestyle changes
- Are motivated to make sustained lifestyle changes
- Do not have contraindications (pregnancy, breastfeeding, or medical conditions making Mounjaro unsafe)
Lower BMI thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage — reflecting higher health risks at lower BMI levels. Your GP and specialist team will assess your individual circumstances. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes alongside lifestyle changes.
- 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.
What's the difference between NHS and private access to Mounjaro?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 services following a GP referral and can involve waiting lists. Private access is through online clinical assessments with UK-licensed prescribers and is typically faster but involves costs. Both require a prescription; both may help support weight loss alongside diet and exercise.
How long is the NHS waiting list for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and local ICB. Some areas offer appointments within weeks; others have waiting lists of several months or longer. Ask your GP about typical waiting times in your area — they can provide region-specific information.
Will my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly?
No — Mounjaro for weight management is typically initiated only by NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP prescriptions. Your GP can refer you to these services, but the specialist team assesses and manages the prescription.
What if Mounjaro isn't available in my area?
If NHS Mounjaro access is limited in your area, alternatives include Wegovy (semaglutide) or Saxenda (liraglutide) if available on the NHS. You can also explore private access to any of these medications through a licensed UK prescriber following a clinical assessment.
Does NICE recommend Mounjaro for weight loss?
Yes, NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for use within NHS weight management services for eligible adults. However, local ICB funding decisions affect whether it's actually available in your area — approval doesn't assures immediate access everywhere in the UK.
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.