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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Increasing Your Mounjaro Dose — UK Cost & Access
If you're considering increasing your Mounjaro dose in the UK, understanding the costs and access routes is essential. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through both NHS specialist services and private prescription pathways, each with different cost implications and timescales. This guide explains how dose titration works, what you can expect to pay, and how to access this prescription-only medication through the route that suits your circumstances.
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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.
Mounjaro Dose Escalation & Private Prescription Costs in the UK
Mounjaro dose titration follows a structured escalation schedule: you begin at 2.5 mg once weekly, then increase by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks if tolerated, up to the maximum of 15 mg. Each KwikPen contains 4 doses (one month's supply). Private prescription costs for tirzepatide vary by dose and provider, typically ranging from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose strength you're taking.
Lower doses (2.5–5 mg) are usually at the lower end of this range, whilst higher doses (10–15 mg) cost more. Some providers offer discounts for purchasing multiple months upfront. It's important to note that private prescription costs can change, and prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies. Your prescriber will discuss costs transparently before issuing a prescription.
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg — typically the lowest cost
- Mid-range doses (5–10 mg) — moderate cost increase per dose step
- Maximum dose (15 mg) — highest monthly cost
- 4-week minimum between dose increases
- Individual cost varies by provider and supplier availability
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.
NHS vs Private Access for Mounjaro in the UK
NHS access to tirzepatide is through specialist tier 3 or 4 weight management services — your GP can refer you, but availability varies significantly by region (ICB). NHS waiting lists are often lengthy, and not all areas currently commission Mounjaro, though NICE has approved it for use. Private access is faster: you complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, receive a prescription if clinically appropriate, and collect from a GPhC-registered pharmacy — usually within 1–2 weeks.
Private prescriptions do not require NHS referral. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore projected outcomes at different doses. Ask your prescriber about the total cost for your intended treatment duration, and clarify whether follow-up consultations are included in the service.
The online consultation process for private Mounjaro is straightforward: you answer detailed health questions, declare any contraindications, and a prescriber reviews your case. If suitable, a prescription is issued to a pharmacy of your choice. You'll need to arrange payment before the pharmacy dispenses. Many providers offer subscription models where you receive a new pen each month automatically, with some offering modest savings. Always check the prescriber's credentials — they must be a registered UK doctor or nurse prescriber. NHS access remains free at point of use but requires specialist referral and may involve waiting periods of several months in many areas.
- 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 does Mounjaro cost on the NHS in the UK?
Mounjaro is free at point of use through the NHS if prescribed by a specialist weight management service. However, not all areas commission it, and waiting lists can be very long — sometimes 6 to 12+ months. Your GP can refer you to your local tier 3 service, but availability depends on your region (ICB).
How much does a private Mounjaro prescription cost per month?
Private prescription costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on dose strength. Lower doses (2.5–5 mg) cost less, whilst higher doses (10–15 mg) cost more. Prices can vary between providers, so it's worth comparing and asking about multi-month discounts.
What is the dose titration schedule for Mounjaro?
You start at 2.5 mg once weekly, then increase by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks if tolerated. Maximum dose is 15 mg weekly. Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of doses. Your prescriber will guide your escalation based on how well you tolerate each dose level.
Can I access Mounjaro privately without NHS referral?
Yes. Through private prescription, you can have an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber without an NHS referral. If clinically appropriate, they'll issue a prescription to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route is usually faster than NHS but involves private cost.
How long does it take to receive Mounjaro after a private prescription?
Once your prescription is issued and payment confirmed, most GPhC-registered pharmacies can dispense within 1–2 weeks. NHS access typically takes longer due to waiting lists for specialist services, which can be several months in many areas.
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.