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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Does Mounjaro Cause Cold Hands and Feet?
Cold hands and feet can occur with both Mounjaro and Wegovy, though it is not a commonly reported side effect of either tirzepatide or semaglutide. When peripheral coldness does happen, it is usually mild and temporary. However, because both medications affect how your body regulates temperature and circulation, it is worth understanding why this might occur and how the two injections compare. This guide explains the evidence and what you should do if you notice this symptom whilst taking weight loss medication.
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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.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Temperature and Circulation Effects
Cold hands and feet are not listed as common side effects in the official UK prescribing information (SURMOUNT and STEP trial data) for either Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide). However, both medications can theoretically affect circulation through different mechanisms. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whilst Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only. Both slow gastric emptying and can temporarily reduce appetite, which may cause a slight shift in how blood is distributed during digestion. GLP-1 activation can also influence blood pressure regulation in some users.
- Mounjaro: No significant thermoregulation effect reported in SURMOUNT trials; cold extremities would be very rare
- Wegovy: Likewise, STEP trial data shows no pattern of temperature sensitivity; any coldness is likely coincidental rather than drug-induced
- Both medications: gradual weight management itself can cause body temperature changes as your metabolic rate adjusts
If you notice persistent cold hands and feet, discuss this with your GP to rule out other causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency, which can occur with any gradual weight management, or thyroid changes.
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If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
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When to Contact Your GP: Practical Guidance
Cold hands or feet whilst on Mounjaro or Wegovy is not an emergency, but it warrants a conversation with your prescriber if it is persistent or bothersome. Contact your GP if the symptom is accompanied by numbness, tingling, colour changes (white or blue fingers), or pain—these could indicate a different circulatory issue unrelated to the medication. Your GP may check your blood pressure, vitamin levels (especially B12), and thyroid function. In most cases, peripheral coldness improves as your body adjusts to the medication, usually within 2–4 weeks. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to review your current dose and discuss with your prescriber whether a slower dose escalation might help, as some people find lower doses cause fewer temperature-related symptoms.
- 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.
Is cold hands and feet a known side effect of Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Cold hands and feet are not listed as common side effects in UK trial data for either medication. However, they may occasionally occur due to changes in blood circulation or metabolic adjustment. Most users do not experience this symptom. If you do notice it, contact your GP to rule out other causes.
Could gradual weight management itself cause cold hands and feet?
Yes. gradual weight management lowers your basal metabolic rate, which can temporarily reduce body temperature regulation. This is not specific to Mounjaro or Wegovy—any significant weight loss can cause this. It usually improves within weeks as your body adapts.
Which medication is more likely to cause cold extremities, Mounjaro or Wegovy?
There is no evidence that one is more likely than the other. Both are GLP-1-based (Mounjaro also activates GIP), and neither shows a thermoregulation pattern in clinical trials. Individual responses vary, and any coldness is usually unrelated to the medication itself.
Should I stop taking Mounjaro or Wegovy if my hands and feet feel cold?
No. Do not stop without speaking to your prescriber first. Cold hands and feet are not a safety concern with these medications. Discuss the symptom with your GP, who may suggest continuing, adjusting your dose, or investigating other causes.
What should I check if I have cold hands and feet on weight loss medication?
Ask your GP to check your blood pressure, vitamin B12, and thyroid function. B12 deficiency is common with gradual weight management and can cause peripheral coldness and tingling. Your prescriber can advise whether these symptoms warrant dose adjustment or investigation.
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