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
Free tracker included with every download this week
How Does Mounjaro Work for Sleep Apnoea?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight management injection that may help improve obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) symptoms — not by treating the condition directly, but by supporting weight loss. Since excess weight is the leading modifiable risk factor for sleep apnoea, reducing body weight through Mounjaro's dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism may ease airway obstruction and reduce apnoea episodes. This page explains the connection between weight, sleep apnoea, and how Mounjaro may support improvement when used alongside lifestyle changes and medical supervision from your GP or sleep specialist.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
The Weight-Sleep Apnoea Connection and How Mounjaro May Help
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway and interrupting breathing. Excess weight increases this risk because fat deposits around the neck and throat narrow the airway. Weight loss of just 5–10% of body weight can significantly reduce sleep apnoea severity in many people.
Mounjaro works by activating GIP and GLP-1 hormone pathways that regulate appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals. In clinical trials, the dose titration schedule — starting at 2.5 mg and increasing over weeks — allowed participants to lose an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks. As weight decreases, airway pressure normalises and sleep apnoea episodes typically reduce.
- Weight loss improves oxygen levels during sleep
- Reduces strain on the cardiovascular system
- May decrease daytime tiredness and improve alertness
- Works best alongside CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes
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 Eligibility and Accessing Treatment in the UK
To access Mounjaro through the NHS, you must be referred to a specialist tier 3 weight management service by your GP. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions — sleep apnoea qualifies as a significant comorbidity. Your sleep specialist or GP can refer you. The KwikPen delivery system makes once-weekly injections straightforward to self-administer at home.
Private access is available through online clinical assessments with UK-licensed prescribers, where eligibility is assessed individually. Any Mounjaro prescription requires baseline health checks and ongoing monitoring, particularly blood sugar control if you have diabetes. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, though regional availability varies.
- Discuss with your GP or sleep specialist about referral options
- Combine Mounjaro with CPAP therapy and weight loss support
- Check regional NHS availability through your Integrated Care Board
- 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 cure sleep apnoea?
No. Mounjaro does not treat sleep apnoea directly. It supports weight loss, which is the primary modifiable risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea. Weight reduction may improve symptoms and reduce apnoea episodes, but treatment typically involves CPAP therapy and medical supervision. Always continue CPAP use unless your sleep specialist advises otherwise.
How long does it take for Mounjaro to improve sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea improvements typically follow weight loss progression. In clinical trials, measurable weight loss began around weeks 4–8. Since even 5–10% weight reduction improves sleep apnoea severity in many people, some symptom relief may occur within 8–12 weeks. Individual timelines vary significantly based on starting weight and comorbidities.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS for sleep apnoea?
Yes, sleep apnoea is a recognised weight-related comorbidity that may qualify you for NHS tirzepatide access through specialist tier 3 weight management services. You must be referred by your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide, but availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Your GP can check your local Integrated Care Board eligibility.
How does Mounjaro compare to Wegovy for sleep apnoea?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only weight management injections. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Clinical trials show Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs ~15% for Wegovy), which may translate to greater sleep apnoea improvement. Choice between them depends on individual assessment and prescriber recommendation.
Can I use Mounjaro alongside CPAP therapy?
Yes. Mounjaro and CPAP work through different mechanisms — CPAP provides immediate airway support, while Mounjaro supports sustainable weight loss. Using both together is often recommended as part of a comprehensive sleep apnoea management plan. Always continue CPAP therapy unless your sleep specialist advises stopping based on improvement.
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.