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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Do I Qualify For Mounjaro On The NHS?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through NHS specialist weight management services in the UK, but eligibility depends on specific BMI and health criteria. Whether you qualify depends on your current weight, height, and whether you have weight-related health conditions. This guide explains the NHS eligibility requirements, how the qualification process works, and what to expect when accessing Mounjaro through tier 3 specialist services.
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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 Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria
The NHS has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) as a prescription weight management option through NICE guidance. To qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS, you must meet one of these criteria:
- BMI of 30 or above — regardless of other health conditions
- BMI of 27 to 29.9 — plus at least one weight-related health condition
If you are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds apply — eligibility typically begins at BMI 27.5 or above, as these populations face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. Weight-related conditions that may qualify you include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia), obstructive sleep apnoea, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI instantly — this is the first step in assessing your eligibility. You cannot self-refer; your GP must refer you to your local tier 3 weight management service.
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 Access vs Private Mounjaro Routes
NHS access: Referral through your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Services assess your health, weight history, and lifestyle before prescribing. Waiting lists vary significantly by region — some areas have waits of several months to over a year. Once approved, Mounjaro is provided free on prescription, though availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) budget and service capacity.
Private access: Available without NHS referral through UK-licensed prescribers via online clinical assessment. Private tirzepatide treatment is faster to access but requires payment. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate projected outcomes at different Mounjaro doses alongside your health and 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 BMI do I need to qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 to 29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds apply — typically BMI 27.5 or above. Use our BMI calculator to find your exact BMI.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary by region. Some areas offer assessments within weeks, while others have waiting lists of several months to over a year. Contact your local tier 3 weight management service through your GP for realistic timescales in your area. Private routes are typically faster.
Can I access Mounjaro directly from my GP, or do I need a specialist referral?
On the NHS, you must be referred by your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Your GP cannot prescribe Mounjaro directly. The specialist team will assess your eligibility, health history, and lifestyle before deciding whether to prescribe tirzepatide.
What health conditions count as weight-related for Mounjaro eligibility?
Weight-related conditions include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia), obstructive sleep apnoea, and a history of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease. Your GP or specialist will assess whether your conditions meet the criteria.
Is there a quicker way to access Mounjaro if NHS waiting lists are long?
Yes — private online prescribing services offer faster access without NHS waiting lists. A UK-licensed prescriber assesses your eligibility via online consultation, and medication is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route requires payment but can be accessed within days rather than months.
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.