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 Reduce Cholesterol?
Yes, clinical evidence suggests that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may help reduce cholesterol levels in some people. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy (semaglutide) have shown benefits for cholesterol management in clinical trials, particularly for LDL and triglycerides. However, cholesterol reduction isn't assured, and results vary between individuals. Neither medication is approved specifically for cholesterol treatment — they are prescribed for weight management in the UK. Any changes to cholesterol typically result from weight loss and improved metabolic health. Your GP can assess whether either medication is suitable for your individual health needs.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Cholesterol Evidence
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) clinical trials, including SURMOUNT-1, showed improvements in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides alongside weight loss. The dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism may have metabolic benefits beyond appetite suppression, potentially supporting cholesterol markers more directly than GLP-1-only medications.
Wegovy (semaglutide) STEP trials also demonstrated reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, though results were slightly more modest than Mounjaro data. As a GLP-1-only agonist, Wegovy works through a single hormone pathway.
- Mounjaro average LDL reduction: approximately 10–15% in trials
- Wegovy average LDL reduction: approximately 8–12% in trials
- Both: triglyceride reduction typically follows significant weight loss
- Neither is approved specifically for cholesterol management in the UK
Cholesterol improvements are secondary outcomes in weight management studies — the primary benefit is weight loss itself.
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.
Individual Suitability and NHS Assessment
Whether Mounjaro or Wegovy is right for you depends on your individual health profile, cholesterol levels, weight, and other medical conditions. A prescriber will assess your full picture — not just cholesterol — before recommending either medication.
Important considerations:
- Both require a formal clinical assessment before prescription
- Neither is approved as a cholesterol-lowering treatment specifically
- Weight loss itself improves cholesterol naturally
- NHS access requires referral to specialist tier 3 weight management services or through private online prescribing
- Individual results vary significantly between people
Use our free BMI calculator to assess your weight category, and speak with your GP about which weight management option might suit your health needs.
- 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.
Does Mounjaro directly lower cholesterol like statin drugs?
No, Mounjaro is not a cholesterol medication. It works by reducing appetite and supporting weight loss. Cholesterol improvements occur as a secondary benefit through weight reduction and improved metabolic health, not through direct cholesterol-lowering action like statins.
Can I use Mounjaro instead of statins?
No. Mounjaro is a weight management medication, not a replacement for cholesterol treatment. If you've been prescribed a statin, continue taking it unless your GP advises otherwise. Mounjaro may complement statin therapy by supporting weight loss.
How does Mounjaro's cholesterol benefit compare to Wegovy?
Clinical trials show both reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Mounjaro data suggests slightly larger improvements, possibly due to its dual GIP+GLP-1 mechanism. However, individual responses vary. Your prescriber can recommend the most suitable option based on your health profile.
Will I definitely see cholesterol improvements on Mounjaro?
No. While clinical trials showed average improvements, individual results vary. Some people see significant cholesterol improvements; others see modest changes. Weight loss, diet, exercise, and genetics all influence cholesterol response. Your GP can monitor your cholesterol during treatment.
How long does it take to see cholesterol improvements on Mounjaro?
Cholesterol improvements typically follow weight loss, which may take 12–16 weeks to become noticeable. Blood tests should be repeated 3–6 months after starting treatment to assess any changes. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate your potential weight loss trajectory.
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.