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 Qualify For Mounjaro On NHS?
Access to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on the NHS in the UK depends on your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and whether your local NHS service has funding available. Not everyone qualifies, and availability varies significantly by region. Understanding the eligibility criteria and access routes—both NHS and private—can help you explore your options. This guide explains what you need to know to apply for NHS Mounjaro.
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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.
NHS Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria In The UK
To qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS, you must meet specific criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence):
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds apply:
- BMI of 27.5 or above may qualify for treatment
Weight-related health conditions that may qualify you include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, obstructive sleep apnoea, or a history of heart attack or stroke. You must also be aged 18 or over, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have no contraindications to tirzepatide. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly and see where you fall within these ranges.
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.
NHS vs Private Access Routes For Mounjaro
NHS Route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, usually through your GP. Assessment and prescription are provided by the specialist team if you meet criteria. However, NHS availability varies dramatically by region—some areas have very long waiting lists (months to years), whilst others have limited funding.
Private Route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by prescription through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists but costs approximately £129–£320 per month depending on your Mounjaro dose. Private prescribing requires a clinical assessment but does not need NHS referral. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore projected outcomes at different doses.
NHS vs Private Route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, usually through your GP. Assessment and prescription are provided by the specialist team if you meet criteria. However, NHS availability varies dramatically by region—some areas have very long waiting lists (months to years), whilst others have limited funding.
Private Route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by prescription through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists but costs approximately £129–£320 per month depending on your Mounjaro dose. Private prescribing requires a clinical assessment but does not need NHS referral. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore projected outcomes at different doses.
- 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 is the exact BMI threshold to qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You qualify if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition. Lower thresholds (BMI 27.5+) apply to people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Check your BMI using our free calculator to see where you stand.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS if I have type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Type 2 diabetes (or prediabetes) is a recognised weight-related health condition that may qualify you for NHS Mounjaro if your BMI is 27–29.9. Combined with a BMI of 30+, it strengthens your case. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility.
How long does it take to get Mounjaro on the NHS?
Waiting times vary by region (NHS ICB area). Some areas have waits of 6–12 months, others longer. Private prescription is typically faster—online consultation and prescription within days. Contact your local weight management service or GP for estimated waiting times in your area.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs vary by dose: starting doses around £129–£180 per month, escalation doses £200–£280 per month, and maximum dose (15mg) approximately £300–£320 per month. Prices vary between providers. Always check current pricing before starting treatment.
How does Mounjaro compare to Wegovy for NHS access?
Both are licensed weight loss injections in the UK. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss of 15–21% in trials, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss around 15%. NHS availability and private costs are similar for both. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your health profile.
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.