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 for Sleep Apnea: Cost and Access in the UK
Sleep apnea is a weight-related health condition that may qualify you for Mounjaro treatment in the UK. This prescription-only injection contains tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that may help you lose weight and improve sleep apnea symptoms. Access to Mounjaro in the UK depends on whether you pursue NHS specialist services or private prescription routes, each with different costs and waiting times. This guide explains both options and what to expect.
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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.
Understanding Mounjaro Eligibility for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is recognised by the NHS as a weight-related health condition that may qualify you for prescription weight loss treatment. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above, you may be eligible for Mounjaro — a once-weekly injection containing tirzepatide.
In clinical trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly improve sleep apnea severity.
Access requires a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following a clinical assessment. You cannot buy Mounjaro over the counter — it is prescription-only medicine subject to additional MHRA monitoring. Your prescriber will assess whether it is suitable for your individual health, current medications, and sleep apnea severity.
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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.
NHS vs Private Routes: Cost, Access and Waiting Times
NHS route: Request a referral from your GP to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management service. These services assess weight-related conditions including sleep apnea and may prescribe Mounjaro. However, availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can extend several months or longer.
Private route: Consult a UK-licensed prescriber online. Following a clinical assessment, you may receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private prescriptions typically cost between £129–£320 per month depending on your dose and provider — prices reflect prescription fees plus medication costs. This route is faster (often same-week prescriptions) but is not covered by NHS funding.
- 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 dose of Mounjaro would I start on for sleep apnea?
Mounjaro treatment starts with a 2.5 mg dose for the first 4 weeks, then increases weekly. The dose is adjusted based on your response and tolerability, with a maximum of 15 mg per week. Your prescriber will titrate your dose over several weeks. Dose titration should always be guided by a healthcare professional.
Does Mounjaro cost the same on NHS and private prescription?
On the NHS, there is no direct cost to you (covered by NHS funding), but access depends on referral to specialist services and regional availability. Private prescriptions cost approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Some private providers offer dosing plans that may reduce overall cost compared to paying per-dose.
How quickly can I get Mounjaro on the NHS for sleep apnea?
NHS access depends on your local integrated care board (ICB) and the waiting list for specialist weight management services. Waiting times vary from months to over a year in some regions. Your GP can advise on typical timescales in your area when you request a referral.
Can I use the GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate my potential weight loss with Mounjaro?
Yes, our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you project potential weight loss outcomes at different Mounjaro doses, based on clinical trial data. Remember that individual results vary significantly, and results achieved alongside diet and exercise changes.
What if I'm overweight with sleep apnea but don't meet BMI 27 threshold?
If you have sleep apnea but a BMI below 27 kg/m², you may still be eligible if your sleep apnea is severe enough to constitute significant risk. Your GP or prescriber can assess your individual circumstances. Some private providers also assess eligibility based on health risk rather than BMI alone.
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.