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 To Apply For Mounjaro On The NHS
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through the NHS in the UK, but access is limited to specialist weight management services and eligibility criteria must be met. Getting Mounjaro on the NHS typically involves a referral from your GP to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist service, a clinical assessment, and meeting specific BMI and health thresholds. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. This guide explains the NHS application process, what to expect, and your alternatives if NHS access isn't currently available where you live.
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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 Access: Referral Pathway And Eligibility
To apply for Mounjaro on the NHS, you must first meet NICE eligibility criteria and be referred to a specialist weight management service by your GP. These criteria are: BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds apply (from 27.5 kg/m²). Check your eligibility using our free BMI calculator above.
The NHS referral process:
- Contact your GP and request a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service
- Your GP will assess your suitability for specialist referral
- If approved, you'll be referred to your Integrated Care Board's (ICB) weight management team
- You'll be added to a waiting list — currently ranging from 3 months to 2+ years depending on your region
- At your specialist appointment, your case will be reviewed and Mounjaro may be prescribed if appropriate
Regional variation is significant: some areas have well-established services with reasonable waiting times, while others have very long delays or limited availability. Ask your GP about current waiting times in your area.
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.
Private Route: Online Prescription And Costs
If NHS waiting lists are too long or Mounjaro isn't available in your area, you can access it privately through a UK-licensed prescriber via online consultation. Private Mounjaro costs approximately £130–£320 per month depending on the dose you require and the provider. A private prescription typically requires an online assessment (usually £20–£50), followed by ongoing consultations (often £40–£80) when increasing doses or monitoring progress. Prescriptions are dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. Private access is faster than NHS (often within days) but represents significant ongoing cost. Many people use private access initially, then transition to NHS services once they become available. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate costs at different doses.
Comparing NHS vs private access: NHS is free but involves waiting lists and regional variation. Private is faster and more accessible but costly. Both routes require a clinical assessment — there is no "quick" or unmonitored access. When starting Mounjaro (whether NHS or private), expect dose titration over 16–20 weeks, starting at 2.5 mg and escalating to your therapeutic dose. Side effects like nausea are common initially but often reduce as your body adjusts. Weigh the cost of private access against the certainty of getting treatment sooner if NHS waiting times in your area are very long.
- 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 BMI do I need to qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You need a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults have lower thresholds starting from BMI 27.5 kg/m². Your GP can confirm your eligibility.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have waits of 3–6 months, while others exceed 2 years. Ask your GP about your local Integrated Care Board's current waiting time when requesting a referral. Some regions have limited or no specialist weight management services available.
Can I buy Mounjaro privately without NHS involvement?
Yes. You can access Mounjaro privately through a UK-licensed prescriber via online consultation. Costs are typically £130–£320 per month depending on dose. This is faster than NHS (usually within days) but involves ongoing costs. A clinical assessment is always required before prescription.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy on the NHS?
Both are GLP-1-based weight loss injections licensed in the UK, though Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. The Mounjaro kwikpen and Wegovy pen are both once-weekly injections. NHS availability depends on your local service — not all areas offer both. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your health profile.
Will my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly, or do I need a specialist?
In the UK, Mounjaro for weight management is typically prescribed by specialist tier 3/4 weight management services, not by GPs directly. Your GP refers you to the specialist service, which then conducts a full assessment and decides whether to prescribe. This is NHS standard practice, though some pilot services may operate differently — check with your local service. ```
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.