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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Is Mounjaro Available on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available on the NHS for weight management in adults who meet specific eligibility criteria. However, access varies significantly by region, and NHS availability through specialist services often involves substantial waiting lists. Many people in the UK access Mounjaro privately through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, which offers faster access. This guide explains both routes, what to expect, and how costs compare between NHS and private prescriptions in the UK.
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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.
NHS Access to Mounjaro and Private Cost Context
NHS availability: Mounjaro was approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and is available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services. However, access is not universal — availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and regional commissioning decisions. Some areas offer Mounjaro readily; others have limited availability or very long waiting lists (often 12–24 months in major cities).
What the NHS requires: You typically need a GP referral to a specialist weight management service. The specialist team will assess your BMI (usually 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions), review your medical history, and confirm Mounjaro is suitable before prescribing.
Private prescription costs: Through private online prescribing, Mounjaro costs vary by dose and provider, typically ranging from £129–£320 per month. Starting doses (2.5–5 mg) are usually at the lower end; maintenance doses (10–15 mg) are toward the higher end. Costs may be lower if you purchase multiple pens upfront or through regular subscription arrangements.
- Private route offers faster access — usually within 1–2 weeks
- NHS route is free but may involve lengthy waiting times
- Both require a valid UK prescription from a licensed prescriber
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
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: Which Route is Right for You?
NHS route: Best if you can wait and prefer NHS-funded treatment. Your GP refers you to a local tier 3 weight management service, where you'll have ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team. You'll need your BMI checked using our free BMI calculator to confirm eligibility before referral. The Mounjaro KwikPen is supplied free once prescribed, but waiting times can be very long.
Private route: Faster access if you want to start promptly. You complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, who assesses your eligibility based on your medical history and BMI. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. You pay per dose, and the process typically takes 1–2 weeks from consultation to delivery. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you project potential results while considering costs.
Important: Both routes require a valid prescription. Mounjaro is prescription-only and cannot be obtained without clinical assessment, regardless of route.
- 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 long is the NHS waiting list for Mounjaro in the UK?
Waiting times vary dramatically by region. Major cities often have 12–24 month waits; some areas have shorter lists or limited availability. Contact your local ICB or ask your GP about current waiting times in your area. Some regions may not offer Mounjaro on the NHS at all due to commissioning decisions.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS without a specialist referral?
No. NHS Mounjaro is only available through tier 3 specialist weight management services. Your GP must refer you to your local specialist service, where a multidisciplinary team will assess your eligibility. You cannot obtain it directly from your GP practice.
What is the typical cost of Mounjaro privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. Starting doses (2.5–5 mg) are usually £129–£180/month; higher maintenance doses (10–15 mg) typically cost £240–£320/month. Some providers offer discounts for purchasing multiple pens or annual subscriptions.
Is there a difference between Mounjaro obtained on the NHS and privately?
No. The medication itself is identical — it's the same tirzepatide in the same KwikPen device, whether prescribed via the NHS or privately. The difference is in access speed, cost, and the level of ongoing support. NHS services include multidisciplinary team support; private routes typically involve self-monitoring with access to online support from your prescriber.
How do I know if I'm eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You're typically eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea, etc.). Lower thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Caribbean heritage. Ask your GP to discuss your eligibility and whether referral to a specialist service is appropriate for you.
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.