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 Stop Alcohol Cravings?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that may help reduce cravings — including alcohol cravings — by affecting how your brain processes hunger and reward signals. While alcohol cravings aren't a primary clinical indication for Mounjaro, emerging evidence and patient reports suggest that some people experience reduced desire to drink while using this medication. However, Mounjaro is not approved as a treatment for alcohol use disorder, and results vary significantly between individuals. This guide explains what the evidence shows, how to access Mounjaro in the UK, and what costs are involved.
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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 works by activating two natural pathways in your brain: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Both hormones influence appetite, reward-seeking behaviour, and food preferences. By amplifying these signals, tirzepatide may reduce cravings for highly palatable foods and drinks — including alcohol.
In clinical trials for weight loss, some participants reported reduced desire for alcohol, though this wasn't formally measured. The mechanism appears to be that Mounjaro dampens the brain's reward response to food and potentially other substances. However, Mounjaro is not licensed or approved for treating alcohol cravings or alcohol use disorder in the UK. If you're struggling with alcohol dependence, speak to your GP about evidence-based treatments like naltrexone or acamprosate, which are specifically designed for this purpose.
- Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist — more comprehensive than single-pathway medications like Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Reduced cravings may extend to alcohol, but this is a secondary effect, not a primary indication
- Individual responses vary — some people notice no change in alcohol cravings
- If alcohol dependence is a concern, discuss specialist treatment options with your GP rather than relying on weight loss medication
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Mounjaro Cost and How to Access It in the UK
In the UK, Mounjaro is available through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing. NHS access requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service — availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can extend many months. Private access is faster: you complete an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £130–£280 per month depending on your dose. The KwikPen device contains four weekly injections, so you'll need approximately one pen per month. When comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy pricing, Mounjaro is often comparable or slightly higher. Always verify costs directly with the prescriber, as prices vary.
- Private prescriptions processed within 24–48 hours
- No pharmacy appointment necessary — fully online from assessment to delivery
- Costs include the medication, prescriber consultation, and pharmacy dispensing
- 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 treat alcohol addiction?
No. Mounjaro is not approved or licensed for alcohol use disorder. While some users report reduced alcohol cravings, this is a secondary effect of appetite regulation, not a primary treatment mechanism. If you're struggling with alcohol dependence, speak to your GP about evidence-based treatments like naltrexone, acamprosate, or specialist addiction services available on the NHS.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs range from approximately £130–£280 per month, depending on your dose and prescriber. Each KwikPen contains four weekly injections. Additional costs may include the online consultation (often £20–£50) and the GP letter if required. Prices vary between providers, so compare quotes before committing.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS for weight management?
Yes, but access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, usually following GP referral. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions). NHS availability and waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB funding. Your GP can check local eligibility and referral pathways.
Is Mounjaro the same as tirzepatide?
Yes. Mounjaro is the brand name; tirzepatide is the active ingredient. Mounjaro is supplied as a KwikPen (pre-filled injection device) and is given once weekly. It's a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, making it structurally different from single-pathway medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), though both are used for weight management.
What happens to cravings when I stop Mounjaro?
When you stop Mounjaro, appetite and cravings typically return to baseline over several weeks as the medication clears your system. This is why lifestyle changes — reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behaviour modification — are essential during treatment. The goal is to establish sustainable habits that persist after stopping medication. Your prescriber will discuss long-term management strategies with you.
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.