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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GLP-1 Cost in the UK — What You Need to Know
GLP-1 weight loss medications are available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing, but costs vary significantly depending on the medication, dose, and access route. Understanding GLP-1 costs—whether through Mounjaro, Wegovy, or other options—is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. This guide explains NHS pricing, private costs, and what affects the total expense of GLP-1 treatment in the UK.
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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.
GLP-1 Cost: NHS vs Private Access in the UK
NHS access: GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are available through NHS specialist weight management services, meaning there is no direct cost to patients who meet eligibility criteria. However, NHS access is limited by regional capacity and waiting lists can extend many months or years in some areas.
Private prescribing: Patients can access GLP-1 medications privately through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultations, typically costing £129 to £320 per month depending on the medication and dose. Private prescribing provides faster access but requires full out-of-pocket payment. A standard dose of Mounjaro or Wegovy at maintenance levels usually costs between £150 and £280 monthly. Starting doses are often cheaper, whilst escalation to higher doses increases monthly costs.
How pricing works: Private GLP-1 prescribing is charged per prescription or per monthly supply. Each pen contains four weekly injections, so monthly costs reflect a full four-week supply at your current dose. Prices vary between providers but are transparent upfront, allowing you to budget effectively.
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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.
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Factors That Affect Your GLP-1 Cost
Several factors influence what you'll pay for GLP-1 medication. Dose escalation is the primary cost driver—starting doses (Mounjaro 2.5 mg or Wegovy 0.25 mg) are cheaper, but as doses increase weekly over weeks, the monthly cost rises. At maximum doses (Mounjaro 15 mg or Wegovy 2.4 mg), costs reach the upper end of the range. Medication type also matters: Mounjaro and Wegovy have different pricing structures, and older options like Saxenda (daily injections) may differ. Provider variation means comparing costs across GPhC-registered pharmacies is worthwhile. Use our free BMI calculator to check your eligibility first, then speak with your GP about NHS options or explore private providers if you want faster access.
- 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.
How much does GLP-1 cost per month in the UK?
Private GLP-1 prescribing typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on medication and dose. Mounjaro and Wegovy at standard doses average £150–£280 monthly. NHS access is free if eligible, but availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Is GLP-1 available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services for eligible adults. You must be referred by your GP and assessed by a specialist team. Availability and waiting times vary significantly across different NHS regions.
What is the difference in cost between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Private costs are similar (both £129–£320/month), but the exact price depends on dose and provider. Mounjaro typically ranges £150–£280 and Wegovy similarly, though individual providers may vary. Compare quotes from different GPhC-registered pharmacies for the best value.
Do I need ongoing prescriptions for GLP-1 medication?
Yes, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and require a new prescription each time you need a refill. Private prescribing usually involves a monthly or per-prescription consultation fee, which may be factored into the quoted cost or charged separately depending on the provider.
How long does GLP-1 treatment typically last?
GLP-1 treatment duration varies individually. Some patients use it for months, others for years. There is no set timeframe—your GP or prescriber will assess your progress and discuss ongoing treatment based on your weight management goals and health outcomes. Cost should be discussed as part of your treatment plan.
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.