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 5mg Price Increase: What UK Patients Need to Know
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) pricing in the UK has been subject to cost changes across both NHS and private prescribing routes. Understanding the current price landscape—whether you're accessing Mounjaro through NHS specialist services or private prescription pathways—helps you make informed decisions about weight management treatment. This guide explains the factors behind recent price adjustments and what they mean for eligible UK patients.
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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 Access, Costs, and Mounjaro Eligibility in the UK
Mounjaro is available in the UK through two main routes: NHS specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services, and private prescription via registered pharmacies following online clinical assessment.
NHS Route: If prescribed through NHS specialist services, Mounjaro is dispensed free at the point of use—patients pay only the standard NHS prescription charge (currently £9.65 per prescription in England, or nothing if exempt). However, NHS availability varies significantly by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board), and waiting lists for tier 3 services can extend many months.
Private Route: Private prescriptions for Mounjaro typically cost £129–£320 per month depending on your current dose. The 5mg dose (a common mid-range dose during titration) generally costs in the middle of this range. Private costs cover both the prescription assessment and the medication supply from a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Recent price increases reflect supply chain pressures, manufacturing costs, and market conditions. Always confirm current pricing with your chosen provider, as costs can vary.
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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.
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Private vs NHS Mounjaro 5mg: Which Route Is Right for You?
NHS Mounjaro: No medication cost if eligible and prescribed through specialist services, but requires GP referral to tier 3 weight management and may involve lengthy waiting lists. Suitability assessment is thorough and aligned with NICE guidance on tirzepatide eligibility.
Private Mounjaro: Faster access—prescriptions issued typically within 24–48 hours after online clinical assessment. No NHS referral needed. Higher upfront cost (per dose), but no waiting list. Private providers assess eligibility using similar BMI and health criteria to NHS tier 3.
Both routes require a clinical assessment and prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at your intended dose, and our BMI calculator to check your starting point. Your choice between NHS and private depends on budget, urgency, and regional NHS service availability in your area.
- 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.
Why has Mounjaro 5mg become more expensive in the UK?
Price increases reflect global supply chain costs, manufacturing expenses, and market demand for GLP-1 medications. Eli Lilly has raised UK pricing in line with NHS price adjustments and private market conditions. Costs also reflect ongoing MHRA monitoring (Black Triangle status) and clinical support infrastructure.
Is Mounjaro cheaper on the NHS than private prescription?
Yes, if you can access it through NHS specialist services—you'll pay only the standard prescription charge. However, NHS availability is limited, with long waiting lists in many regions. Private prescriptions cost more upfront but offer faster access without waiting.
What does the 5mg dose cost privately in the UK right now?
Private Mounjaro 5mg typically costs £150–£250 per month depending on your provider. Prices vary between online pharmacies and prescribing services. Always request an exact quote before ordering, as pricing changes and can differ based on supply and demand.
Will my NHS GP prescribe Mounjaro at any dose?
Most GPs cannot prescribe Mounjaro directly. It must be prescribed through NHS tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management services, to which your GP can refer you. Your specialist service will manage dosing and titration (dose increases).
Does a higher Mounjaro dose cost significantly more?
Yes, higher doses (10mg, 15mg) cost more than lower doses (2.5mg, 5mg) on private prescriptions. A 15mg dose may cost 20–30% more than 5mg. NHS prescription charges remain the same regardless of dose (one charge per prescription in England).
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.