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 get Mounjaro cheaper in the UK
Getting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) more affordably in the UK depends on whether you access it through the NHS or private prescription routes. While Mounjaro isn't cheap — private prescriptions typically cost between £150–£320 per month depending on your dose — there are genuine ways to reduce costs. This guide explains NHS access, private pricing, what affects costs, and practical steps to explore affordable options with a licensed prescriber.
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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 costs in the UK
NHS access is free if you qualify and can be referred to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region (ICB), and waiting lists can extend months or years. Many areas have limited capacity.
Private prescription costs typically range from £150–£320 monthly depending on your dose. Mounjaro costs more per injection than Wegovy because of its dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are cheaper; maximum doses (15 mg) cost more. Some providers offer dose-based pricing tiers.
What affects private costs:
- Your current dose (2.5 mg to 15 mg)
- How many pens you order (bulk orders may reduce per-unit cost)
- Provider pricing variation (different GPhC-registered pharmacies charge differently)
- Prescription fees (some online clinics bundle fees; others charge separately)
Weight 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.
Practical ways to reduce Mounjaro costs
Compare private providers: Costs vary meaningfully between GPhC-registered online prescribing services — shop around before committing. Some providers offer loyalty discounts or bulk-order reductions.
Explore NHS eligibility first: If your BMI is 30+, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease), ask your GP about referral to specialist NHS weight management services. Free treatment beats any private cost.
Dose efficiency: Work with your prescriber to find your effective dose. Staying on a lower effective dose (e.g., 10 mg) rather than escalating to 15 mg reduces monthly costs if results are adequate. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand projected outcomes at different doses.
Consistency: Switching between Mounjaro and cheaper alternatives like Wegovy isn't straightforward — dose conversions aren't 1:1, and switching requires prescriber oversight.
- 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.
Is Mounjaro available free on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, through specialist tier 3 weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions). However, NHS availability varies by region, and waiting lists are often months long. Ask your GP about referral to your local specialist service.
How much does Mounjaro cost on private prescription?
Private Mounjaro prescriptions typically cost £150–£320 per month depending on your dose (2.5 mg to 15 mg). Costs vary between GPhC-registered online prescribing services, so comparing providers can save money. Always check whether prescription fees are included.
Can I reduce Mounjaro costs by staying on a lower dose?
Yes. If a lower dose (e.g., 5 mg or 10 mg) produces adequate results for you, staying there rather than escalating to 15 mg reduces monthly costs. Work with your prescriber to find your effective dose. Results vary between individuals, so discuss what works for you.
Is Mounjaro cheaper than Wegovy in the UK?
Generally, no. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) typically costs more than Wegovy (semaglutide) at equivalent doses because of its dual GIP+GLP-1 mechanism. Private pricing for Wegovy often starts around £129/month and rises with dose; Mounjaro typically starts higher. Always compare current prices with providers.
What happens if I can't afford private Mounjaro?
Explore NHS referral to specialist weight management services first — treatment is free if you're eligible. If NHS waiting lists are too long, ask your prescriber about alternative GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Saxenda, which may be cheaper. Use our BMI calculator to confirm your eligibility status, then discuss options with your GP.
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.