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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Menopause and Mounjaro — What You Need to Know
Weight gain during menopause is common due to hormonal changes, and managing it can feel challenging. Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription weight management options available in the UK. This guide compares these medications to help you understand which might be suitable following a clinical assessment with your GP or prescriber.
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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.
How Mounjaro and Wegovy Compare for Menopause Weight Gain
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates two hormone pathways to help regulate appetite and support feeling fuller. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist only, working through a single pathway. In clinical trials, Mounjaro (SURMOUNT-1) showed average weight loss of approximately 15–21% of body weight, while Wegovy (STEP trials) showed around 14.9% average weight loss over similar periods.
Dosing also differs: Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg weekly and escalates to a maximum of 15 mg, whilst Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and reaches 2.4 mg. Both are once-weekly injections dispensed as pre-filled pens. During menopause, the dual mechanism of Mounjaro may appeal to some, though individual response varies considerably and both medications require a clinical assessment before prescription.
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If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
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Menopause, Hormones, and Weight Management Options
Menopause brings hormonal shifts that can slow metabolism and increase appetite, making weight management more difficult. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—medication alone is not sufficient. Your prescriber will assess whether either is suitable based on your BMI, health history, and any weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or prediabetes.
In the UK, both medications are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services (availability varies by region) or through private online prescribing following a clinical consultation. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
Side effects are similar for both: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain are very common, especially in early weeks. The dual mechanism of Mounjaro may theoretically offer advantages, but evidence directly comparing outcomes in menopause specifically is limited. Your GP or prescriber will discuss which option aligns with your personal health needs, medical history, and any other medications you take, particularly if you use oral contraceptives or diabetes medications that may require adjustment.
- 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 better than Wegovy for menopause weight gain?
Both are licensed for weight management in the UK. Clinical trials show slightly higher average weight loss with Mounjaro, but individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable based on your personal health profile, medical history, and preferences. There is no single "better" option—suitability is individual.
What is the main difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, activating two hormone pathways. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only, working through one pathway. Mounjaro starts at a lower dose and titrates higher; Wegovy has a gentler dose escalation. Both are once-weekly injections.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy through the NHS for menopause weight gain?
Potentially, yes. Both are licensed in the UK and available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions). Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Your GP can refer you to your local service.
What are the most common side effects during menopause treatment?
Very common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain—these often improve as the body adjusts. Less common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and injection site reactions. If you experience severe stomach pain, gallbladder symptoms, or serious allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.
How does oral contraceptive use affect Mounjaro or Wegovy eligibility?
Both medications may reduce absorption of oral contraceptives for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase. If you use oral contraceptives, inform your prescriber—you may need to add a barrier method or consider alternative contraception during those periods. Your prescriber will advise on this.
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