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: NHS and UK Prescription Information
Mounjaro 5 mg is the first maintenance dose of tirzepatide, a prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist for weight management in the UK. After reaching this dose during the initial 4-week titration phase, most patients continue on 5 mg weekly unless their prescriber recommends escalation. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how the 5 mg dose works, access routes in the UK, and what to expect if you're considering this treatment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes at this dose.
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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 and How to Access Mounjaro 5 mg in the UK
NHS access to Mounjaro: Prescribed through tier 3 specialist weight management services following GP referral. You must meet NICE criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, thresholds are lower (BMI 27.5+). NHS waiting lists vary significantly by region — some areas have waits of several months to over a year. 5 mg is the standard first maintenance dose: You'll start at 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg in weeks 5–8, then remain on 5 mg unless escalation is needed. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight at this dose over 72 weeks, alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary. Your prescriber will monitor you regularly and may adjust your dose based on tolerance and response.
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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.
Private vs NHS: How to Get Mounjaro 5 mg in the UK
Private prescribing: If NHS waiting lists are too long, GPhC-registered online clinics can issue Mounjaro prescriptions following a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private access is typically faster (days to weeks) but costs approximately £150–£280 per month depending on dose and provider. NHS route: Free on prescription once prescribed by a specialist service, but requires referral from your GP and assessment by a specialist team. Both routes require clinical assessment — tirzepatide is not suitable for everyone. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain medical conditions exclude treatment. Use our BMI calculator to check your starting point and assess eligibility based on your height and weight.
- 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 does the 5 mg dose of Mounjaro do?
At 5 mg weekly, Mounjaro activates GLP-1 and GIP hormone pathways, helping reduce appetite and food cravings. It may support feeling fuller after smaller meals and slowing how quickly food leaves your stomach. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight over 72 weeks at this dose, though individual results vary significantly.
Is Mounjaro 5 mg available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro is NICE-approved for NHS specialist weight management services. Access is through tier 3 services via GP referral. You must meet eligibility criteria: BMI 30+ or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. NHS availability and waiting times vary by region (ICB area).
How long do you stay on 5 mg Mounjaro?
The 5 mg dose is typically the first maintenance dose. You reach it in weeks 5–8 (after starting at 2.5 mg). Your prescriber may keep you on 5 mg long-term, or escalate to higher doses (7.5 mg, 10 mg, etc.) depending on your tolerance and weight loss response.
What is tirzepatide and how is it different from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — it activates two hormone pathways. Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a GLP-1 agonist only (single pathway). Clinical trials suggest tirzepatide may produce slightly greater average weight loss, but individual results vary and both require prescription.
Can I get Mounjaro 5 mg privately if NHS waiting lists are too long?
Yes. UK-licensed prescribers through GPhC-registered online clinics can prescribe Mounjaro following a consultation. Private costs vary (typically £150–£280/month). Both NHS and private routes require a clinical assessment to confirm suitability and rule out contraindications.
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.