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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Going Up to 5mg Mounjaro — UK Costs and Access
When increasing your tirzepatide (Mounjaro) dose from 2.5mg to the 5mg maintenance dose, you'll want to understand both the cost and how to access it in the UK. The 5mg dose is typically the first sustained maintenance level after your four-week starter period. We'll walk you through private prescription costs, NHS routes, and what the online consultation process looks like so you can make an informed decision about continuing your treatment.
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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.
Private Prescription Costs for Mounjaro 5mg in the UK
Private prescription costs for Mounjaro vary by provider but typically range from £129 to £199 per month for the 5mg dose, depending on where you obtain your prescription. Each Mounjaro KwikPen contains four weekly injections, so costs are usually quoted per pen (one month's supply). When moving up to 5mg from your starter dose, you'll need a new prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following an online consultation.
- 5mg dose: typically £129–£199 per month through private channels
- Costs may vary based on clinic fees and pharmacy markup
- Some providers bundle consultation fees; others charge separately
- Always confirm the total cost (consultation + prescription + dispensing) before proceeding
Prices are subject to change and vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies. Always ask for a full cost breakdown, including any consultation fees, before your appointment.
Weight 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.
NHS vs Private Access for Mounjaro in the UK
NHS access to Mounjaro requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP—this route is free but typically involves waiting lists of several months in many areas. Private prescription routes are faster: you can arrange an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, receive a prescription within 24–48 hours if approved, and have it dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private access doesn't require NHS referral or GP approval, though your prescriber will still assess your eligibility based on your BMI and health status. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate projected outcomes at 5mg, and our BMI calculator to check if you meet typical eligibility criteria for prescription weight loss treatment.
- 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.
What's included in the cost when I increase to 5mg Mounjaro?
The monthly cost typically covers the Mounjaro KwikPen (four weekly 5mg injections). Some providers include the online consultation fee in the advertised price; others charge it separately. Always ask for a full breakdown before paying. Some clinics offer bundled packages where consultation, prescription, and dispensing are one price.
Can I get Mounjaro 5mg through the NHS in the UK?
Yes, but only through specialist tier 3 weight management services after GP referral. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, but access varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy (often 6–12 months). If you've started privately, you cannot automatically switch to NHS—you'd need to go through the full referral process.
How long does it take to get a private prescription for Mounjaro 5mg?
Online consultations typically take 24–48 hours for assessment. If approved, your prescription is issued electronically to a pharmacy and dispensed within 1–3 working days. From consultation to receiving your pen can be as quick as 3–5 days with private providers, compared to months via NHS routes.
Do I need a new prescription every time my Mounjaro dose increases?
Yes. Each dose increase (2.5mg to 5mg, 5mg to 7.5mg, etc.) requires a new prescription. Your prescriber will issue this after assessing your response to the current dose. Most clinics handle repeat prescriptions and dose adjustments through follow-up consultations, either online or via phone.
What if I can't afford the monthly cost of Mounjaro 5mg privately?
If private costs are unaffordable, discuss NHS options with your GP. Request referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. If you've started privately, some services may transition you to NHS care once referred—policy varies by region. Your GP can advise on local availability and eligibility criteria.
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.