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 Wegovy Better Than Mounjaro? UK Cost and Access Explained
"Better" depends on your individual health needs, eligibility, and access route — both Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription-only weight management injections licensed in the UK, but they differ in mechanism, dosing, cost, and availability. This guide compares the two on UK cost and access, helping you understand your options through NHS and private routes. Neither medication is inherently "better" — the right choice depends on your personal circumstances and clinical assessment.
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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.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro: UK Private Prescription Costs
Both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are available through UK private prescribing routes following an online clinical assessment. Private prescription costs vary significantly by provider and dose level.
Wegovy pricing context: Typically ranges from approximately £120–£300 per month depending on the dose (0.25 mg starting through to 2.4 mg maximum). Initial months often involve dose escalation, affecting cost structure.
Mounjaro pricing context: Generally ranges from approximately £130–£320 per month across the dose range (2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly). The maximum 15 mg dose costs more than Wegovy's maximum due to the higher tirzepatide concentration required.
Important: Cost comparisons are difficult without specific quotes, as pricing varies between GPhC-registered online pharmacy providers. Individual clinical assessment may influence which medication is offered, making direct cost comparison less relevant than clinical suitability.
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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
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS Access vs Private Prescription Routes
NHS route: Both Wegovy and Mounjaro can be prescribed through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can extend months to years in many areas. Your GP can refer you, but approval depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and service capacity.
Private route: Both medications are available through private online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. No NHS referral needed. You complete an online health assessment, a prescriber reviews your eligibility, and a prescription is issued if appropriate. Dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Typically faster access (days, not months), but you pay the full cost privately.
Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results with either medication — individual outcomes vary significantly, so understanding expected ranges is helpful when comparing options.
- 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.
Which costs more in the UK — Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Costs are similar overall (£120–£320/month for Wegovy, £130–£320/month for Mounjaro), varying by dose and provider. Direct comparison requires specific quotes, as pricing differs between private pharmacy services. Maximum-dose costs tend to be higher for Mounjaro due to higher tirzepatide concentration.
Can I get Wegovy or Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Both are available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3), but access is limited and varies by region. Waiting lists are often very long. Your GP can refer you, but approval depends on your local ICB's capacity and funding.
How do I access Wegovy or Mounjaro privately in the UK?
Complete an online health assessment through a GPhC-registered pharmacy with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, you receive a prescription and the medication is dispensed. No NHS referral required. Faster access than NHS routes, but you pay full cost privately.
Is Wegovy or Mounjaro better for weight loss?
Clinical trials show both support weight loss — Wegovy approximately 14–15% body weight on average, Mounjaro approximately 15–21% body weight on average. Individual results vary significantly. "Better" depends on your health profile, eligibility, and what your prescriber assesses as most suitable for you.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and tirzepatide?
Mounjaro is the brand name; tirzepatide is the active ingredient. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist available as once-weekly injections. Understanding this terminology helps when discussing medication with your prescriber or researching UK treatment options.
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.