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 Cost and Access in the UK
Mounjaro 5mg is the first maintenance dose of tirzepatide, typically reached after four weeks of treatment. If you're considering this weight management injection in the UK, understanding both NHS and private access routes, costs, and eligibility criteria is essential. This guide covers what Mounjaro 5mg costs, how to access it, and what the prescription process involves for UK adults seeking weight loss support.
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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.
Mounjaro 5mg Cost in the UK: NHS vs Private
Private cost: Mounjaro 5mg typically costs between £129 and £180 per month through private online prescribing services in the UK, depending on the provider. This price usually includes the consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber and one KwikPen (four weekly injections).
NHS cost: If prescribed through the NHS, you pay the standard prescription charge (£9.90 in England as of 2024), regardless of the medication cost. However, NHS access is limited to specialist tier 3 weight management services and varies significantly by region.
- Private: No referral needed, faster access, higher out-of-pocket cost
- NHS: Requires GP referral to specialist services, lower cost but longer waiting lists
- Both routes require clinical assessment and prescription from a licensed healthcare professional
The 5mg dose is typically the first stable maintenance dose after the four-week titration period starting at 2.5mg. Annual private costs for Mounjaro range from approximately £1,500 to £2,160 at this dose, though this varies based on individual dose progression and provider pricing.
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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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How to Access Mounjaro 5mg in the UK
Private route: Complete an online health questionnaire with a GPhC-registered pharmacy. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your answers and medical history. If approved, a prescription is issued and your first KwikPen is dispensed. The entire process typically takes 2–5 days. You can use our free BMI calculator above to check your eligibility criteria before applying.
NHS route: Request a referral from your GP to a specialist weight management service in your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Waiting lists can be months to years depending on your area. The NHS may prescribe Mounjaro or tirzepatide if you meet eligibility criteria and have completed lifestyle interventions first.
Eligibility assessment: Both routes require confirmation that you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
- 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 5mg available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is NICE-approved for NHS use through specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Your GP can refer you to your local service, but you may wait several months. Private prescribing offers faster access without NHS referral.
How much does Mounjaro 5mg cost per month privately?
Private Mounjaro 5mg costs approximately £129–£180 per month, including the consultation and one KwikPen (four weekly injections). Annual costs range from roughly £1,500–£2,160. Prices vary between providers, so it's worth comparing before committing.
What's the difference between 5mg and other Mounjaro doses?
Mounjaro starts at 2.5mg for the first four weeks, increasing to 5mg in weeks 5–8. The 5mg dose is the first maintenance level. Higher doses (7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg) are available but cost more. Your prescriber decides which dose is appropriate based on your response.
Do I need a GP referral to get Mounjaro 5mg privately?
No. Private online prescribing requires only a health questionnaire and assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber — no GP referral needed. However, informing your GP that you're using Mounjaro is recommended for safety, especially if you take other medications.
What happens after I'm prescribed Mounjaro 5mg?
You'll receive a KwikPen device with four pre-filled 5mg injections (one per week). You'll self-inject once weekly at home, rotating injection sites. Your prescriber may request follow-up check-ins. You can track your progress using our free weight loss calculator and progress tracker throughout your treatment.
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.