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 On NHS Scotland
Getting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on NHS Scotland involves referral through specialist weight management services, not direct GP prescription. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are now approved by NICE for weight management in eligible adults across Scottish NHS boards, but access pathways and availability vary significantly by region. Understanding the NHS route, eligibility criteria, and how Mounjaro compares to Wegovy can help you navigate the process more effectively.
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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 Scotland Access Pathway And Eligibility For Mounjaro
In Scotland, Mounjaro is accessed through tier 3 specialist weight management services, not from your GP directly. Your first step is to speak with your GP, who can refer you to your local NHS health board's specialist weight management clinic. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for use within NHS weight management services, and most Scottish health boards now offer it, though some regional variation exists.
- You must have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history)
- For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply (from 27.5 kg/m²)
- Your GP assesses initial suitability before referral
- Specialist clinic conducts full clinical assessment and decides whether to prescribe
- The Mounjaro KwikPen (pre-filled injection pen) is prescribed at doses from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg weekly
Waiting times for specialist services vary — some areas have waiting lists of several months. You can ask your GP about current waiting times for your local health board.
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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.
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Mounjaro Vs Wegovy On NHS Scotland: Mechanism And Trial Data
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available on NHS Scotland for eligible adults, but they work differently. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, activating two hormone pathways, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. In clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1 for Mounjaro, STEP-1 for Wegovy), Mounjaro showed average weight loss of approximately 15–21% of body weight, whilst Wegovy showed approximately 15% — though individual results vary significantly. Prescriber preference, your personal health profile, and tolerability guide which medication is right for you. Both require dose titration over weeks, regular clinical monitoring, and are used alongside dietary and lifestyle changes, not instead of them.
- 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's the difference between getting Mounjaro on NHS Scotland versus privately?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 services via GP referral, usually free at point of use. Private access is through a UK-licensed prescriber following an online consultation, available without NHS referral, and costs approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Private routes bypass waiting lists but require personal payment.
How long does the NHS Scotland referral process usually take?
GP referral to specialist assessment typically takes 4–16 weeks, depending on your health board's waiting list. Some boards have longer delays. Ask your GP about current waiting times for your area. The specialist clinic then conducts a full assessment, which may take another 2–4 weeks before a prescription decision.
Is Mounjaro automatically approved for weight loss on NHS Scotland?
No. NICE approved tirzepatide for NHS use, but individual eligibility depends on BMI and health conditions. You must meet criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities) and pass clinical assessment at the specialist clinic. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, not automatic.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro on NHS Scotland?
Yes, it's possible to switch between medications under specialist care, though this must be managed by your prescriber. There are approximate dose equivalences (e.g., Mounjaro 10 mg is roughly equivalent to Wegovy 1.7 mg), but any switch requires clinical reassessment and monitoring. Discuss this with your specialist clinic if you're considering a change.
What should I expect at the NHS Scotland specialist weight management clinic?
Expect a full health assessment including blood pressure, blood tests, and discussion of your weight history, diet, and lifestyle. They'll discuss medication options (Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda), assess suitability, and explain side effects. If approved, you'll receive training on self-injection and be monitored regularly for efficacy and tolerability. Use our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator to prepare with your baseline measurements.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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