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 Bloating: UK Costs and How to Access Treatment
Bloating is one of the most commonly reported side effects when starting Mounjaro (tirzepatide), though it typically improves as your body adjusts to the medication. If you're considering Mounjaro in the UK, understanding both the costs and how to access it — whether through NHS specialist services or private prescription — is essential for making an informed decision. This guide covers the real costs you'll face, eligibility criteria, and the two main routes to getting Mounjaro prescribed in the UK.
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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.
Private Mounjaro Costs and Access in the UK
Private prescription costs: Mounjaro through private online prescribing typically ranges from £129–£320 per month depending on your starting dose and the provider. The 2.5 mg starter dose (weeks 1–4) is usually at the lower end of this range, while maintenance doses like 10 mg or 15 mg cost more. Each KwikPen contains four weekly doses, so you'll need one pen per month as standard.
What's included: Private costs cover the clinical assessment (usually a short online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber), the prescription itself, and the medication dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Some providers bundle follow-up support or dose adjustment consultations; others charge separately.
- Starting doses (2.5–5 mg): typically £129–£180/month
- Mid-range doses (7.5–10 mg): typically £200–£260/month
- Maintenance doses (12.5–15 mg): typically £280–£320/month
Prices vary between providers, so it's worth comparing. Private access means you don't need an NHS referral and can start more quickly, though waiting times still vary.
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 Access vs Private: Which Route Suits You?
NHS route: Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, approved by NICE. However, access is limited and highly variable by region. You'll typically need a GP referral, and waiting lists can be months to years in many areas. Once accepted into a specialist service, the NHS covers the full cost of the medication.
Private route: Faster access (often within days) without needing an NHS referral. You'll have an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber who assesses whether Mounjaro is suitable for you. If approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. You can also use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results before committing to treatment.
Which to choose: Choose NHS if you're eligible and willing to wait; choose private if you want faster access and can afford the monthly cost.
- 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 on the NHS in the UK?
Mounjaro is free on the NHS if prescribed through a specialist tier 3 weight management service. However, NHS access is limited and varies significantly by region. You'll need a GP referral and may face a lengthy waiting list. Check with your local ICB (Integrated Care Board) for availability.
Can I get Mounjaro on prescription privately without NHS involvement?
Yes. Private UK-licensed prescribers can assess you via an online consultation and issue a Mounjaro prescription if clinically appropriate. This doesn't require an NHS referral. The prescription is then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private costs range from roughly £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
What's included in the private Mounjaro cost?
Private costs typically cover the online clinical assessment, the prescription, and the medication itself (the KwikPen). Some providers include follow-up support or free dose adjustment consultations; others charge separately. Always check what's included before paying.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS through my GP?
Standard GPs cannot prescribe Mounjaro for weight management. It's only available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll need a GP referral to access these services. Availability depends on your region and local NHS funding.
How long does it take to get Mounjaro via private prescription in the UK?
Private access is typically much faster than NHS. Most providers can arrange an online consultation within days, issue a prescription within 24–48 hours if approved, and dispatch your first KwikPen within a week. This is why many UK adults choose private prescription over NHS waiting lists.
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.