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
Does Mounjaro Help With Alcohol Cravings?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist approved in the UK for weight management. Some people report reduced alcohol cravings whilst taking Mounjaro, but this is not an approved use and clinical evidence remains limited. The medication works by affecting appetite regulation and how the brain processes reward signals — which may influence alcohol-related cravings in some individuals. However, any change in alcohol consumption should be discussed with your GP, as Mounjaro is not a treatment for alcohol use disorder.
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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 Mounjaro May Affect Alcohol Cravings
Mounjaro's mechanism involves activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the brain, which regulate appetite and reward pathways. Because alcohol activates the same reward centres, some research suggests GLP-1 agonists might reduce cravings for rewarding behaviours — including alcohol consumption. However, this effect is not assured and varies significantly between individuals.
Important context: Most anecdotal reports of reduced alcohol cravings come from people using Mounjaro for weight loss, not as a primary treatment for alcohol use. Clinical trials for Mounjaro did not specifically measure alcohol cravings as an outcome. If you're struggling with alcohol use, your GP can refer you to appropriate support — whether or not you're considering Mounjaro. The UK's GLP-1 weight loss options, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, work best alongside lifestyle changes, not as standalone treatments for addiction-related cravings.
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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.
Accessing Mounjaro in the UK — Cost & Routes
Mounjaro is available in the UK through two main routes: NHS specialist weight management services and private prescription via online consultation. NHS access is through tier 3 weight management services following a GP referral, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private prescriptions are issued following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, typically costing £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Mounjaro comes as a KwikPen pre-filled injection pen — each pen contains four weekly doses. Whether accessed via NHS or privately, your prescriber will assess your eligibility based on BMI and health status before issuing a prescription.
- 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 Mounjaro be prescribed specifically to reduce alcohol cravings?
No. Mounjaro is only licensed in the UK for weight management, not for alcohol use disorder or cravings. If you're struggling with alcohol consumption, speak to your GP about evidence-based treatments and support services available on the NHS.
Should I tell my prescriber if I drink alcohol?
Yes. Always inform your prescriber about your alcohol consumption before starting Mounjaro. Alcohol can interact with weight loss medication effects and it's important for your clinical assessment.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for alcohol cravings?
Both are GLP-1 (or dual GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonists and may theoretically affect reward pathways similarly. However, neither is approved for reducing alcohol cravings, and individual responses vary. Your prescriber can discuss which option suits your health profile.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly, depending on your dose level. Costs are per dose escalation tier, so prices increase as you move from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Ask your prescriber for a full cost breakdown for your specific dose.
How do I access Mounjaro through the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Waiting times vary by region — some areas have significant delays. Private prescription is faster if you prefer that route.
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.