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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Monjaro in the UK — NHS Prescribing & Eligibility
Monjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription weight loss injection licensed in the UK for adults managing excess weight. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist weight management services, though access varies significantly by region. Understanding your eligibility, how NHS Tier 3 services work, and how Monjaro fits into UK weight management care can help you explore whether this prescription medication might be right for you. This guide covers NHS criteria, clinical evidence, and your options for access.
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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.
NHS Eligibility & NICE Guidance for Monjaro
NICE approved tirzepatide (Monjaro) in 2024 for use within NHS specialist weight management services. However, NHS prescribing is limited to tier 3 services — not standard GP practice.
- You must have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea)
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds apply (BMI 27.5+)
- Access requires referral from your GP to your local NHS specialist tier 3 weight management service
- Clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1) showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight across different doses, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity
- Waiting times for NHS tier 3 services vary dramatically by region — some areas have waits exceeding 12 months
Individual results vary significantly. Your GP can assess whether referral to a specialist service is appropriate.
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 to Monjaro in the UK
NHS route: Referral to tier 3 specialist weight management service, assessment, prescription if approved. Free once prescribed, but significant waiting lists in many areas.
Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral, typically £150–£300 per month depending on dose. Faster access but out-of-pocket cost.
Both routes require a clinical assessment and prescription. Neither route involves visiting a pharmacy in person. Check your local NHS ICB (Integrated Care Board) website to see if specialist services are currently accepting referrals in your area.
Q1: Can my GP prescribe Monjaro on the NHS? A1: Not typically. Monjaro is approved for NHS use only through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP prescribing. You need a GP referral to the service, which then assesses you. Access varies by region — some areas have long waiting lists or services are full. Q2: How much does Monjaro cost privately in the UK? A2: Private prescriptions typically cost £150–£300 per month depending on dose. Prices vary between private prescribers and pharmacies. You pay the full cost — prescription weight loss is not covered by the NHS through private routes, though some health insurance policies may cover it (check your provider). Q3: What weight-related health conditions make me eligible for Monjaro? A3: Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, obstructive sleep apnoea, or history of heart attack or stroke. You must also meet BMI criteria (30+ or 27+ with a condition). Your prescriber will assess your individual health. Q4: How long does it take to get Monjaro through the NHS? A4: Waiting times vary significantly by region. Some NHS specialist services have waits of 6–12+ months; others may be closed to new referrals. Contact your local NHS tier 3 service or check your ICB website for current availability and waiting times in your area. Q5: Is Monjaro the same as tirzepatide? A5: Yes. Monjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. In the UK, tirzepatide is available as Monjaro (pre-filled pens). Your GP or prescriber will refer to it by either name — they mean the same 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 is BMI and how is it calculated?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. It's the standard screening tool used by the NHS to assess whether adults are a healthy weight.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution. Athletes may have a high BMI without excess fat. The NHS recommends using BMI alongside waist circumference for a more complete picture.
What are GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications that mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and help with weight loss. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the two most widely used for weight management in the UK.
Am I eligible for GLP-1 weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, you need a BMI of 30+ (obese) or 27+ with a weight-related health condition. You must be 18 or over. Use our BMI calculator to check.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with up to 22.5% weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1-only with up to 15-17% weight loss. Both are weekly injections.
Is this website free to use?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up required. All tools work instantly in your browser and no personal data is stored on our servers.
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.