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 Dry Mouth — UK Costs and How to Access
Dry mouth is a common side effect reported by people taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in the UK. While generally mild and manageable, understanding this potential effect alongside the cost and access routes for Mounjaro can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're considering NHS specialist services or private prescription routes, knowing what to expect — both medically and financially — is important 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.
What Does Dry Mouth Mean on Mounjaro?
Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when there is reduced saliva production. On Mounjaro (tirzepatide), dry mouth happens because the medication slows gastric emptying and affects how quickly food moves through your digestive system, which can temporarily reduce saliva flow. This side effect is not listed as very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) but some users report it, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment or during dose escalation. Most people find dry mouth improves within a few weeks as their body adjusts. Simple strategies like drinking water regularly, using sugar-free lozenges, chewing sugar-free gum, or using a humidifier can help manage it. If dry mouth persists or causes difficulty swallowing, contact your GP or prescriber — there are treatments available such as saliva substitutes.
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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.
Mounjaro Cost and Access Routes in the UK
NHS route: Available through tier 3 specialist weight management services after GP referral. Waiting lists vary significantly by region (ICB), often lasting months or years. Prescription is free on the NHS if approved.
Private route: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose (the Mounjaro KwikPen comes pre-filled with 4 doses). Private prescriptions bypass NHS waiting lists but require payment upfront. Your eligibility and suitability for treatment is assessed by a UK-licensed prescriber during an online consultation.
When comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy, both are prescription-only weight management injections with similar eligibility criteria. Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg and escalates up to 15 mg based on dose titration schedules. The NHS has approved tirzepatide for specialist services, but access depends on your local ICB. Using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss at different doses, and our BMI calculator can confirm whether you meet the eligibility threshold (BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions) for treatment consideration.
- 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 dry mouth a serious side effect of Mounjaro?
Dry mouth from Mounjaro is usually mild and temporary. It's not listed as a very common side effect but some users experience it. It typically improves within weeks as your body adjusts. Staying hydrated and using sugar-free lozenges helps. Contact your GP if it persists or affects swallowing.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Each KwikPen contains 4 weekly injections. Costs vary between providers. You'll need a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following an online clinical assessment.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll need a GP referral. However, waiting lists vary significantly by region and can take many months. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS access is free but involves referral and waiting lists (often months to years). Private access bypasses waiting lists, costs £129–£320/month, and uses online prescriber assessments. Both require clinical eligibility assessment and prescription from a licensed UK prescriber.
How is Mounjaro dose titration managed for side effects like dry mouth?
Mounjaro dose titration involves starting at 2.5 mg and increasing every 4 weeks up to 15 mg maximum. If you experience bothersome side effects like dry mouth, your prescriber may extend time at your current dose or adjust the pace of escalation before increasing further.
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.