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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Is Mounjaro Tirzepatide? Cost and Access in the UK
Yes, Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription-only weight management injection licensed in the UK. It's a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that may help reduce appetite and support weight loss alongside lifestyle changes. If you're considering tirzepatide for weight management, understanding how to access it and what it costs in the UK is essential. This guide covers both NHS and private routes, helping you make an informed decision about whether Mounjaro is right for you.
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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.
UK Private Prescription Costs and Access Routes
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in the UK through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services and private prescription through GPhC-registered online pharmacies.
Private prescription costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Costs are usually per KwikPen (a 4-week supply of four pre-filled pens). Doses include 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, with higher doses generally costing more. Most people start at 2.5 mg and titrate (increase gradually) over several months, so initial costs are lower.
- Starting doses (2.5–5 mg): typically £129–£180 per month
- Mid-range doses (7.5–10 mg): typically £180–£250 per month
- Higher doses (12.5–15 mg): typically £250–£320 per month
Costs may vary between providers and change over time. Prescription fees apply separately if consulting privately.
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.
NHS vs Private Access: Which Route Is Right for You?
NHS access to Mounjaro is through tier 3 specialist weight management services, typically following a GP referral. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, but availability is limited and varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can be several months to years in some areas. Once approved, NHS prescription costs are covered under your prescription charge (currently £9.90 in England for any item).
Private access requires an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. You complete a health questionnaire, have your eligibility assessed, and if approved, receive a prescription dispensed by a registered pharmacy. The entire process typically takes 2–7 days. Private costs are higher upfront but often faster access. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
Accessing Mounjaro privately involves these steps: Complete an online health assessment form, have a consultation with a registered prescriber (either asynchronous review or video call), receive your prescription if approved, and collect your medication from the pharmacy. Prescribers assess your BMI, weight-related health conditions, medical history, and current medications before deciding if tirzepatide is suitable.
Important: Private prescriptions still require a clinical assessment—you cannot simply buy Mounjaro without a prescription. All prescribers follow the same UK eligibility guidelines as NHS services. Both routes require commitment to lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity) alongside medication.
- 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 Mounjaro and tirzepatide?
Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide. They're the same medication—tirzepatide is the active ingredient, Mounjaro is the brand name given by manufacturer Eli Lilly. Like paracetamol and Panadol, the terms are interchangeable. Mounjaro comes as a KwikPen (pre-filled injection pen).
How much does Mounjaro cost on the NHS in the UK?
On the NHS, Mounjaro costs £9.90 per prescription item in England (the standard prescription charge). However, NHS access is only through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP prescription. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different prescription charge systems.
Can I get Mounjaro on prescription without going private?
Yes, through the NHS via a specialist weight management service. Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. However, waiting lists are often long (months to years in many areas). Private prescription offers faster access but at higher cost. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use in eligible adults.
What does a private Mounjaro prescription include?
A private prescription includes the cost of the online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (typically £50–£100), plus the medication cost (£129–£320 per month depending on dose). Your prescriber will assess your health and eligibility before issuing a prescription. Repeat prescriptions may have lower consultation fees or be managed by the same provider.
How long does it take to receive Mounjaro via private prescription?
The online assessment typically takes 1–3 days, and if approved, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy for dispensing within 2–7 days. You then receive your KwikPen by post or collect in person, depending on the pharmacy. NHS access is slower—expect weeks to months from GP referral to specialist assessment.
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.