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 Mounjaro Helps Reduce Appetite — UK Access & Cost
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works by activating two natural hormone pathways that help regulate appetite and reduce food cravings. As a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, it signals to your brain that you're fuller after smaller meals, which can make it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. In the UK, you can access Mounjaro through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescription following a clinical assessment. Understanding how appetite suppression works and what you'll pay is essential for making an informed decision about this prescription-only medication.
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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.
Understanding Mounjaro's Appetite-Suppressing Effect
Mounjaro reduces appetite through two distinct mechanisms: it activates GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors in the brain and gut. GLP-1 is the same pathway targeted by Wegovy (semaglutide), but Mounjaro's dual action at both receptors may provide a stronger appetite-suppressing effect for some people. This dual mechanism is what distinguishes tirzepatide from traditional single-pathway GLP-1 agonists.
The appetite reduction typically begins within the first few weeks and may increase as your dose escalates. Most people report feeling satisfied after smaller portions and experiencing fewer food cravings. However, individual responses vary—some people experience stronger appetite suppression than others, particularly at higher doses.
When comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy, both suppress appetite effectively, but the dual-action approach of tirzepatide may be particularly beneficial if a single GLP-1 agonist hasn't provided sufficient appetite control. Clinical trials showed that appetite reduction is one of the primary mechanisms behind Mounjaro's weight loss effect, alongside improved satiety and reduced caloric intake.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
UK Pricing and How to Access Mounjaro
Private prescription pricing for Mounjaro in the UK typically ranges from £129 to £320 per month, depending on your current dose. Starting doses (2.5–5 mg) are usually at the lower end of this range, whilst higher maintenance doses (10–15 mg) cost more. You can access private Mounjaro through an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber; if approved, the prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, but availability is limited and regional waiting lists can be very long. Your GP can refer you to your local NHS weight management service, though you may wait months or years for an appointment. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your eligibility for weight management support, whether through NHS or private routes.
To access Mounjaro privately, you'll need to complete an online health questionnaire and have a consultation with a registered prescriber who will assess your BMI, medical history, and weight-related health conditions. If approved, your prescription is sent directly to a pharmacy, and your Mounjaro KwikPen is delivered to your home. The entire process typically takes 1–3 days from consultation to delivery. You'll need to attend regular check-ins (usually online) with your prescriber every 4–12 weeks to monitor your progress, adjust doses, and discuss any side effects. NHS access requires a GP referral and assessment by a specialist team, but costs nothing at the point of use if you meet eligibility criteria.
- 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 quickly does Mounjaro suppress appetite?
Appetite suppression typically begins within 1–2 weeks of starting Mounjaro, though it becomes more noticeable as your dose increases. Some people experience immediate effects, whilst others take 4–6 weeks to notice significant changes. Individual responses vary based on your baseline appetite, metabolism, and how your body responds to the GIP and GLP-1 receptor activation.
Is Mounjaro cheaper than Wegovy in the UK?
Pricing is roughly similar between Mounjaro and Wegovy through private prescribers, typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Both are prescription-only and available through NHS specialist services or private online consultation. Costs may differ slightly between providers, so it's worth comparing. Both are significantly more expensive through private routes than through NHS (which is free), but NHS waiting lists can be very long.
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly?
In most cases, no. GPs can refer you to NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, where a specialist team may prescribe Mounjaro if you meet eligibility criteria. However, GPs cannot usually prescribe Mounjaro directly in primary care due to it being a specialist medication. Private prescribers can assess and prescribe Mounjaro directly following an online consultation, without needing an NHS referral.
What's the difference between appetite reduction and nausea with Mounjaro?
Appetite reduction is the desired therapeutic effect—it means you genuinely feel less hungry and fuller faster. Nausea is a side effect that some people experience, particularly during dose escalation. Nausea is temporary and often reduces over time, whilst appetite suppression is the sustained effect you want. If nausea is severe, your prescriber may slow dose escalation or adjust your dose.
Do I need ongoing appointments if I access Mounjaro privately?
Yes. Private prescribers require regular monitoring, typically every 4–12 weeks via online consultation. This allows your prescriber to check your progress, monitor for side effects, adjust your dose if needed, and ensure the medication remains appropriate for you. These consultations usually cost £0–£30 and are essential for safe, effective use of Mounjaro.
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.