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
Meal Ideas for Mounjaro in the UK
When starting Mounjaro (tirzepatide), many people find that their appetite naturally reduces, which means meal planning becomes an important part of managing side effects and staying nourished. This guide covers practical meal ideas for Mounjaro users in the UK, alongside information about accessing Mounjaro through the NHS or private prescription routes, and what the costs are. Understanding both the medication and how to eat well on it can help you get the most from your treatment whilst managing your budget effectively.
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.
Meal Planning on Mounjaro: Food Ideas and Managing Appetite
When taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide), most people experience reduced appetite, especially in the early weeks and as doses increase. This means your usual portion sizes may feel too large. Practical meal ideas include small portions of protein-rich foods like grilled chicken, baked fish, Greek yoghurt, or cottage cheese paired with vegetables. These keep you satisfied on smaller amounts and help maintain muscle during weight loss.
Common side effects like nausea or changes in appetite mean some foods become unappealing — that's normal. Smaller, more frequent meals often work better than three large meals. Try: scrambled eggs with toast, vegetable soups, stir-fried vegetables with tofu, or lean mince with brown rice in modest portions. Stay hydrated — drinking water throughout the day supports digestion and can reduce nausea. Many users find that spicy or very fatty foods worsen nausea, so gentle, easily digestible options work best in the first few weeks.
Track your weight loss progress using our free progress tracker to see how your dietary choices and Mounjaro work together over time.
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.
Accessing Mounjaro in the UK: NHS vs Private Routes
Mounjaro is available in the UK through two routes: the NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services and private prescription through a UK-licensed prescriber. NHS access requires a referral from your GP to a specialist weight management service, though availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be several months. NHS prescription of Mounjaro must follow NICE guidance and is only available through specialist services, not from your standard GP.
Private prescription routes involve an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private costs vary by dose — expect roughly £129–£320 per month depending on your Mounjaro KwikPen dose and provider. This route avoids NHS waiting lists but requires payment. Both routes require a clinical assessment to confirm you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). Use our BMI calculator to check where you stand against NHS thresholds before starting.
- 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.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose, with starting doses around 2.5mg costing less than the maximum 15mg dose. Prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies and prescribers, so it's worth comparing. Always factor in the cost of regular clinical follow-up appointments when budgeting.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services following NICE approval. You'll need a referral from your GP, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Ask your GP about local tier 3 services — some areas have shorter waiting lists than others.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for UK access?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections, but Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist whilst Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only. Both are available privately and through NHS specialist services. Mounjaro uses once-weekly KwikPen injections; Wegovy also uses once-weekly pens. Costs and availability may differ — your prescriber will advise which suits you.
What should I eat when starting Mounjaro?
Eat smaller portions of protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, yoghurt, and eggs with vegetables. Many people find nausea reduces with bland, easily digestible foods. Avoid fatty or spicy meals in the first few weeks. Drink plenty of water. Use our progress tracker to monitor how your appetite and weight change as your dose increases.
Do I need to see a GP before getting Mounjaro privately?
You don't need a GP referral for private prescription, but the private prescriber will assess your health through an online consultation. They'll ask about medical history, current medications, and weight-related conditions to ensure Mounjaro is safe for you. If you have existing health conditions, informing your GP is advisable for your records.
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.