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 and Depression — How to Access in the UK
Some people taking Mounjaro report changes in mood, including depression-like symptoms, whilst others experience mood improvements. If you're considering tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) for weight management in the UK, it's important to understand both the costs and how to access it safely. This guide explains NHS versus private prescription routes, what to expect during clinical assessment, and how to discuss mood concerns with your prescriber before starting treatment.
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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.
Understanding Mounjaro Access and Cost in the UK
Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine available through two routes in the UK: NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. Access varies significantly by region and waiting times.
NHS route: Available through tier 3 specialist weight management services following GP referral. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS weight management programmes, but access depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Waiting lists can be several months to over a year in many areas. There is no cost to you if prescribed on the NHS.
Private route: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private Mounjaro costs vary by dose but typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of doses (4 injections), so monthly costs reflect this supply.
When accessing Mounjaro through any route, your prescriber will assess your eligibility, discuss mood history, and monitor for mood changes during treatment.
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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.
What to Expect During Clinical Assessment and Mood Monitoring
Whether accessing Mounjaro via NHS or private prescription, mood and mental health will be part of the clinical assessment. A prescriber will ask about depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and any psychiatric medication you're taking. This is essential because tirzepatide can affect mood in some individuals.
Your prescriber will also discuss how to report mood changes once you start treatment. If you develop depression or significant mood changes whilst on Mounjaro, contact your GP or prescriber immediately — you may need to stop the medication or adjust your care plan. Mood monitoring is an ongoing part of safe tirzepatide use. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore whether Mounjaro might be suitable alongside your health goals, but always discuss mood considerations directly with your prescriber.
- 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 cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose. Each KwikPen (4 weeks supply) contains 4 injections at your prescribed dose. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are usually less expensive than maximum doses (15 mg). Prices vary between providers, so it's worth comparing. Always check that you're ordering from a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services. Access is through tier 3 weight management services, which requires a GP referral. However, availability and waiting times vary significantly by region (ICB). Some areas have waiting lists of many months. Ask your GP about NHS access in your area.
Is depression a side effect of Mounjaro?
Mood changes, including depression-like symptoms, have been reported by some people taking Mounjaro, though this is not listed as a common side effect in the summary of product characteristics. If you have a history of depression or psychiatric illness, inform your prescriber before starting. Report any mood changes immediately to your GP or prescriber. Do not stop taking Mounjaro without medical guidance.
What happens if I develop depression whilst taking Mounjaro?
Contact your GP or prescriber immediately if you develop depression, suicidal thoughts, or significant mood changes whilst on tirzepatide. Your prescriber may recommend stopping Mounjaro, switching to an alternative weight management approach, or adjusting your psychiatric medications. Never stop taking Mounjaro without professional guidance, as this needs careful medical management.
How long does it take to get Mounjaro through the NHS?
NHS waiting times for specialist weight management services vary widely by region. Some areas have waits of 6–12 months or longer, whilst others may be shorter. Contact your local ICB or ask your GP for current waiting times in your area. If you need treatment sooner, private prescription routes are available but involve out-of-pocket costs.
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.