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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Lipedema and Mounjaro — What You Need to Know in the UK
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterised by disproportionate fat accumulation in the legs and sometimes arms, often misdiagnosed as simple obesity. If you have lipedema, you may be exploring whether Mounjaro (tirzepatide) could support your health. This guide covers NHS eligibility, UK prescribing context, and how this dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist medication may fit into a comprehensive lipedema management plan alongside diet, exercise, and specialised support.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
NHS Eligibility and Lipedema Management in the UK
Lipedema is recognised as a distinct medical condition by the NHS, though awareness among primary care clinicians remains variable. Adults with lipedema who also meet weight management criteria may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment including Mounjaro through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services.
Current NHS eligibility criteria for Mounjaro:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, OR BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults: lower BMI thresholds apply (27.5 or above)
- Referral typically comes through your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service
- Regional variation exists — not all areas have the same availability or waiting times
Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine administered via a pre-filled KwikPen, dosed from 2.5 mg to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Clinical trial data (SURMOUNT-1) showed an average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — though individual results vary significantly, and lipedema-specific outcome data is limited.
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 Routes and Practical Considerations
NHS route: Referral to tier 3 specialist services, often involving a wait; medication prescribed and monitored through the NHS at no cost to you.
Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
For lipedema specifically, specialist assessment is particularly important because lipedema requires a multidisciplinary approach involving diet, exercise, compression therapy, lymphatic drainage, and psychological support — medication alone is not sufficient. Your GP can help determine which route suits your needs, or you can use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and discuss results with your healthcare team. Track your progress with our free progress tracker as part of your ongoing management.
- 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.
Is Mounjaro specifically approved for lipedema in the UK?
Mounjaro is licensed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Lipedema is not a specific indication, but if you have lipedema and meet BMI eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for Mounjaro through NHS tier 3 services or privately. However, lipedema requires comprehensive multidisciplinary care; medication alone is not sufficient.
How does Mounjaro work differently from Wegovy for lipedema?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whereas Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials show slightly higher average weight loss with Mounjaro, but individual response varies. Your prescriber will recommend the most appropriate option based on your health profile and lipedema characteristics.
What is the typical Mounjaro dose titration schedule?
Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then escalates: 5 mg (weeks 5–8), 7.5 mg (weeks 9–12), 10 mg (weeks 13–16), 12.5 mg (weeks 17–20), and up to 15 mg maximum. Each dose requires a minimum 4-week assessment period before escalation, and your prescriber will monitor your response.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with Mounjaro?
Weight loss typically begins within the first 4 weeks, with more noticeable results by weeks 8–12. However, clinical trials showed the most significant reductions over 72 weeks. For lipedema, results may differ from general obesity; specialist monitoring is important to assess whether the medication supports your condition-specific goals.
Can I switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy on the NHS?
NHS prescribers may consider switching between GLP-1 medications based on your response and tolerability. Mounjaro and Wegovy have no established official conversion doses, so any switch requires prescriber assessment. Approximate clinical equivalences exist (e.g., Mounjaro 10 mg ≈ Wegovy 1.7 mg), but individual circumstances vary.
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.