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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Mounjaro 5 Mg Cost and Access in the UK
Mounjaro 5 mg is the first maintenance dose after the initial 2.5 mg starting phase. This page explains how to access Mounjaro in the UK, what costs to expect, and the difference between NHS and private routes. The 5 mg dose is where most people transition to after their first month of treatment, making it a key point to understand pricing and availability for your weight management journey.
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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.
Private Prescription Cost and Access
In the UK, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) at 5 mg typically costs £145–£180 per month via private prescription through GPhC-registered online prescribing services. The exact cost depends on the provider, whether you need an initial consultation, and any delivery fees. A single Mounjaro KwikPen contains 4 weekly doses, so one pen lasts approximately 4 weeks. Once you move to the 5 mg dose following your initial 2.5 mg starting phase, you'll continue this dosing schedule weekly via injection. Private access does not require referral to NHS specialist services — you can consult with a licensed prescriber online, and if suitable, receive a prescription and have it dispensed within days. Compare this option with our GLP-1 weight loss calculator, which can project your potential weight loss at different doses.
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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 vs Private Routes — What's the Difference?
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services following GP referral, but waiting lists in many areas are substantial (months to years in some regions). NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, yet availability varies significantly by region and local integrated care board (ICB) decisions.
Private access: Faster — typically 1–7 days from consultation to treatment. You pay the full cost but avoid NHS waiting lists. Both routes require clinical assessment: your GP or a licensed prescriber will check your eligibility based on your BMI and health history. Check your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to see whether you meet the standard criteria (BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions). South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults have lower thresholds due to higher metabolic risk.
- 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 5 mg cost on the NHS?
Mounjaro is available on the NHS through specialist weight management services following referral from your GP. You do not pay out of pocket on the NHS. However, access varies significantly by region — some areas have long waiting lists, whilst others have limited availability. Check with your local ICB about current waiting times.
Why is private Mounjaro more expensive than Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is generally priced similarly to Wegovy (semaglutide) in the UK private market, typically £145–£180/month for the 5 mg dose vs around £150–£170 for equivalent Wegovy doses. Small price variations reflect different providers and clinical assessment fees. Results vary individually, so cost alone should not be the deciding factor.
Do I need a GP referral to get Mounjaro privately?
No. Private Mounjaro access does not require NHS referral. You can book an online consultation with a licensed prescriber registered with the MHRA and UK General Pharmaceutical Council. They will assess your eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and current medications, then prescribe if appropriate.
What happens if I'm on the NHS waiting list but want to go private?
You can switch to private Mounjaro at any time without informing the NHS. If you later wish to return to NHS care, inform your GP. There's no restriction on moving between routes, though you should not be on both simultaneously. Your GP should know about any treatments you're receiving for continuity of care.
Does the 5 mg dose cost the same every month?
Yes, typically the 5 mg Mounjaro KwikPen (one month's supply of 4 injections) costs the same each month with most UK private providers — usually £145–£180. Some providers offer small discounts for purchasing multiple months upfront or setting up a subscription. Always confirm pricing with your chosen provider before starting.
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.