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
Cold on Mounjaro — What You Need to Know
If you're experiencing a cold or feeling unwell whilst taking Mounjaro, it's natural to wonder whether to continue your injection and how to access this medication in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight management injection available through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing routes. Understanding your access options and costs can help you make informed decisions about your treatment. This guide explains how to get Mounjaro in the UK, what you can expect to pay privately, and how the NHS route differs.
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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 in the UK
Mounjaro is available through two main routes in the UK: NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. On the NHS, you'll typically need a referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. These services assess your eligibility based on your BMI and weight-related health conditions, then prescribe Mounjaro if appropriate. However, NHS access varies significantly by region—waiting lists can be months or even years in some areas, and availability depends on your local integrated care board (ICB).
The private route is often faster. You can access private prescriptions through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultations. A clinical assessment determines whether tirzepatide is suitable for you based on your individual health profile. Once prescribed, a GPhC-registered pharmacy dispenses your medication. Both routes require a proper clinical assessment—there is no way to obtain Mounjaro without a valid UK prescription from a licensed prescriber.
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.
Cost and What to Expect When Unwell
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose. Your starting dose is 2.5 mg per week, which may increase gradually over 16+ weeks. Higher doses (10 mg, 15 mg) cost more. NHS prescriptions cost the standard prescription fee (£9.90 per item in England as of 2024) regardless of dose, but availability is limited and regional. If you develop a cold or other minor illness whilst on Mounjaro, continue your injection as planned unless your prescriber advises otherwise. Minor infections don't typically require stopping treatment. For urgent medical concerns—severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain—contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore projected outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to track your progress.
- 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 I take Mounjaro if I have a cold?
Yes, minor colds do not require stopping Mounjaro. Continue your regular weekly injection unless you experience severe vomiting (which could affect medication absorption) or your prescriber advises otherwise. If you're unwell and unsure, contact your prescriber for personalised guidance.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose and provider. Starting dose (2.5 mg) is usually at the lower end; maximum dose (15 mg) at the higher end. Prices may vary between online prescribing services, so compare options.
How do I get Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. You'll be assessed for eligibility based on BMI (typically 30+) and weight-related health conditions. NHS prescriptions cost £9.90 per item in England, but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS access is cheaper (£9.90 per prescription) but involves referrals, assessments, and potentially long waiting lists. Private access is faster—you can start within days—but costs £129–£320 monthly. Both require a valid prescription from a licensed UK prescriber after clinical assessment.
How is Mounjaro dosed and when do I inject?
Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg per week, increasing gradually every 4 weeks (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg maximum). You inject once weekly on the same day. Your prescriber guides dose escalation based on your response and tolerability. Missing a dose? Inject within 4 days and resume your normal schedule.
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.