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) may help reduce alcohol cravings in some people, though this isn't its primary purpose. Research into GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications suggests they can affect reward pathways in the brain that influence cravings—including for alcohol. However, evidence is still emerging, and individual responses vary significantly. Mounjaro is prescribed in the UK for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Any questions about whether Mounjaro might suit your situation should be discussed with your GP or a licensed prescriber during clinical assessment.
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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 and Wegovy May Affect Cravings
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist—meaning it activates two hormone pathways. This dual mechanism may have a broader effect on appetite regulation and reward processing than single GLP-1 medications. Some users report reduced cravings for alcohol, sugar, and highly processed foods, though clinical trials haven't specifically measured alcohol craving reduction.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist only—activating a single pathway. In STEP clinical trials, participants reported reduced cravings for various foods and substances, but alcohol wasn't a primary outcome measured.
- Mounjaro's dual mechanism may theoretically offer broader craving reduction
- Both work via the brain's reward and appetite centres
- Individual responses differ—some people notice significant craving reduction, others minimal change
- Neither medication is licensed or intended as an alcohol dependency treatment
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.
Which Medication Might Suit You — Individual Assessment
Whether Mounjaro or Wegovy might help with alcohol cravings depends entirely on your individual health profile, medical history, and how your body responds to GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 activation. Neither medication is approved for treating alcohol addiction or dependence, but both are sometimes observed to reduce various cravings as a secondary effect.
Your prescriber will assess your eligibility based on BMI, weight-related health conditions, and overall suitability. If alcohol consumption is a concern alongside weight management, mention this during your clinical assessment—your GP or licensed prescriber can advise whether medication, behavioural support, or other interventions are appropriate for your situation.
- Prescription required—clinical assessment necessary
- Craving reduction is not assured
- Both medications work best 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.
Is Mounjaro approved for alcohol cravings in the UK?
No. Mounjaro is licensed for weight management only. However, users sometimes report reduced alcohol cravings as a secondary effect due to how GLP-1 and GIP pathways influence reward centres in the brain. This is not a primary therapeutic use, and outcomes vary significantly between individuals.
Does Mounjaro work better than Wegovy for reducing cravings?
Mounjaro's dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism may theoretically influence reward pathways more broadly than Wegovy's single GLP-1 pathway, but clinical evidence comparing them specifically for craving reduction is limited. Individual responses vary. Your prescriber will assess which is most suitable based on your health profile.
Can I use Mounjaro to treat alcohol dependence?
No. Mounjaro is not approved or intended for alcohol dependency treatment. If you're struggling with alcohol use, speak to your GP about evidence-based support, which may include counselling, behavioural therapy, or specialist addiction services—separate from weight management treatment.
What dose of Mounjaro might help with cravings?
Mounjaro doses range from 2.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly. There's no specific "craving-reducing dose"—your prescriber will recommend doses based on your weight loss goals and tolerance. Craving reduction, if it occurs, may develop at any dose.
Should I mention alcohol cravings when being assessed for Mounjaro?
Yes. Always be honest with your GP or prescriber about your alcohol consumption, cravings, and any history of dependency. This helps them assess whether Mounjaro is safe and suitable for you, and whether additional support might be beneficial. Your clinical assessment should cover your full health picture.
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.