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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How Do You Get Mounjaro On The NHS?
Getting Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK requires a referral to a specialist weight management service and meets specific eligibility criteria. Unlike private online prescribing, NHS access involves assessment through tier 3 or tier 4 specialist services. This guide explains the NHS pathway, what makes you eligible, and realistic timescales you may face. The process varies by region and can involve waiting lists, but NHS provision is available for suitable candidates.
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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.
NHS Access Pathway For Mounjaro
NICE approval: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services. However, it is not available through standard GP prescription — you must be referred to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service.
- Step 1: Speak to your GP about weight management support and mention you want to explore prescription medication options
- Step 2: Your GP will assess you and, if appropriate, refer you to your local NHS specialist weight management service (availability varies significantly by region)
- Step 3: The specialist team will conduct a full health assessment, review your medical history, and determine if tirzepatide is suitable
- Step 4: If approved, you will be prescribed Mounjaro and receive guidance on administration and monitoring
Waiting times for tier 3 services vary considerably across the UK — some regions have waiting lists of several months or longer. Regional ICB (Integrated Care Board) funding and capacity also affects availability.
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.
Mounjaro NHS Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for Mounjaro through the NHS if you have:
- BMI of 30 or above (or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease)
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults: lower thresholds may apply — eligibility may begin at BMI 27.5 or above due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels
- Failed to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone over a reasonable period
- No medical contraindications (e.g. severe gastroparesis, allergy to tirzepatide, pregnancy, or breastfeeding)
Specialist teams also consider your overall health profile, other medications, and realistic likelihood of benefiting from treatment. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to see where you stand.
- 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 long does it take to get Mounjaro through the NHS?
Timescales vary significantly by region. Waiting times for NHS specialist weight management services typically range from 3 months to over a year, depending on local demand and ICB funding. Some areas have much shorter waiting lists than others. Your GP can advise on expected waiting times in your area.
What's the difference between getting Mounjaro on the NHS versus privately?
NHS access requires a GP referral and assessment through specialist services — it's free but involves waiting lists and regional variation. Private routes involve online consultation with a licensed prescriber and a UK pharmacy — faster access but with associated costs (typically £150–£320+ per month depending on dose). Both require clinical assessment; both are prescription-only.
Will my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly?
No. Mounjaro is not a standard GP prescription for weight management in the UK. It must be initiated and monitored by a specialist weight management service (tier 3 or tier 4). Your GP's role is to refer you to the specialist team. Once prescribed by the specialist, ongoing monitoring may involve your GP.
What if I'm not eligible for NHS Mounjaro?
If you don't meet NHS eligibility criteria or face unacceptable waiting times, private prescribing is an alternative. You would need to complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This bypasses NHS referral requirements but involves private costs.
Does the NHS prescribe Mounjaro at all doses?
Yes, the NHS uses the full tirzepatide dose range (2.5 mg starting dose, escalating to 15 mg maximum). However, the dose prescribed and escalation pace depends on specialist assessment and your individual response. Specialist teams follow standard NHS guidance for dose titration and monitoring.
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.