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 The Golden Dose Mounjaro
The "golden dose" of Mounjaro refers to the dose where most people experience effective weight loss with manageable side effects — typically 10mg or 15mg. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only, once-weekly injection that requires a clinical assessment before you can access it. In the UK, you can get Mounjaro through NHS specialist weight management services or via private prescription following an online clinical assessment. Understanding how dose titration works and your eligibility will help you navigate the process effectively.
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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 Dose Titration And The Golden Dose
Mounjaro works through gradual dose escalation — you don't start at the "golden dose" straight away. The standard titration schedule is: 2.5mg for weeks 1–4, 5mg for weeks 5–8, 7.5mg for weeks 9–12, 10mg for weeks 13–16, 12.5mg for weeks 17–20, and 15mg from week 21 onwards. The "golden dose" concept comes from clinical practice, where doses of 10mg to 15mg are where most users see significant weight loss results alongside more manageable gastrointestinal side effects. However, individual responses vary — some people find their optimal dose at 7.5mg, whilst others need 15mg. Your prescriber will assess your progress at each stage and adjust based on your weight loss, side effect tolerance, and overall health. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes at different doses based on clinical trial data.
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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
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How To Access Mounjaro In The UK — NHS And Private Routes
NHS route: You'll need a referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. NHS waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas have waiting lists of several months. Private route: You can access Mounjaro through a private online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. This doesn't require an NHS referral and is typically faster, though you'll pay privately. Both routes require a thorough clinical assessment — your prescriber needs to confirm you're suitable for tirzepatide before issuing a prescription. Costs, waiting times, and titration schedules may differ between routes.
- 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 exactly is the "golden dose" of Mounjaro?
The "golden dose" typically refers to 10mg or 15mg — the doses where most people see significant weight loss whilst side effects become more tolerable. This isn't an official medical term, but rather clinical practice language. Your individual golden dose depends on your response, side effects, and goals. Your prescriber will help identify the right dose for you.
How long does it take to reach the golden dose?
Following standard titration, it takes approximately 20 weeks to reach the 15mg dose (the highest strength). Each dose is held for a minimum of 4 weeks before increasing. However, if your prescriber decides to adjust your schedule, timing may vary. Some people pause titration if side effects are significant.
Can I skip doses to get to the golden dose faster?
No — dose titration must follow the prescribed schedule. Skipping doses or increasing faster than advised increases the risk of severe side effects and doesn't improve outcomes. Always follow your prescriber's guidance. If you want to escalate faster, discuss this with your prescriber, who may suggest a modified schedule if clinically appropriate.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1-only medication. Mounjaro's dual mechanism may help with appetite and metabolic regulation more effectively. Equivalent doses roughly align: Mounjaro 15mg is similar to Wegovy 2.4mg. Both are prescription-only and titrated gradually.
Will I stay on the golden dose indefinitely?
This depends on your individual circumstances and prescriber's advice. Some people maintain their dose long-term to sustain weight loss. Others may reduce or pause treatment. Weight regain can occur if you stop without maintaining lifestyle changes. Your GP or prescriber will discuss a long-term management plan with you.
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.