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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Cold Hands on Mounjaro — What You Need to Know
Cold hands have been reported by some people taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide), though this is not listed as a common side effect in the official patient information. If you're experiencing cold hands while using this GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist injection, it's worth understanding why this might happen and when to speak to your GP. This guide explains the potential causes, what the evidence shows, and how to access Mounjaro safely in the UK through NHS or private prescription routes.
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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.
Why Cold Hands May Occur on Mounjaro
Cold hands on Mounjaro may be connected to how the medication affects blood flow and appetite regulation. Tirzepatide (the active ingredient) works by activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which influence how your body regulates hunger, glucose, and energy use. Some people report feeling colder overall when taking weight loss medications — this can happen because gradual weight management reduces your body's insulating fat layer, or because reduced food intake may lower your metabolic rate slightly.
- Peripheral vasoconstriction (narrowing of small blood vessels) in response to reduced calorie intake
- Lower metabolic rate during weight loss, reducing heat production
- Reduced appetite leading to lower overall food and calorie consumption
- Individual variation in how the body responds to GIP/GLP-1 activation
Cold hands are not listed as a very common or common side effect in clinical trials, but individual experiences vary. If you experience persistent or concerning cold hands, always discuss this with your GP or the prescriber managing your Mounjaro treatment. They may adjust your dose or suggest management strategies such as ensuring adequate nutrition and staying warm.
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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.
Accessing Mounjaro in the UK — NHS vs Private Routes
NHS access: Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services following NICE approval. You'll need a GP referral, and availability varies significantly by region (integrated care board). Waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas, sometimes several months to over a year.
Private access: GPhC-registered online pharmacies dispense Mounjaro following a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route doesn't require NHS referral and is typically faster — consultations usually take 24–48 hours. Costs vary by dose (from approximately £129–£320 monthly), and you'll complete a health questionnaire to confirm eligibility. The prescriber assesses your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and medical history before issuing a prescription. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes at different doses, while the BMI calculator lets you check your current status.
When you consult privately, the prescriber will ask about your medical history, current medications (especially oral contraceptives, which Mounjaro may affect), and any symptoms like cold hands or other side effects. Be honest about all health concerns — this helps the prescriber decide if Mounjaro is right for you. You'll receive your prescription electronically and collection details. Store unopened pens in the fridge at 2–8°C; after first use, they can stay at room temperature for up to 30 days. Always follow injection guidance carefully and report any persistent or worsening symptoms to 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.
Is Mounjaro cold hands a known side effect?
Cold hands are not listed as a very common or common side effect in clinical trials or official product information. However, some people report feeling colder during weight loss treatment — this is often linked to reduced body insulation from fat loss or lower metabolic rate during calorie restriction. If you experience persistent cold hands, contact your GP or prescriber.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg) are usually cheaper than higher maintenance doses (10 mg, 15 mg). Prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies, so it's worth comparing. NHS costs are covered by the health service if prescribed through specialist services, but availability is limited by regional waiting lists.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Yes — Mounjaro is licensed for NHS use in adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. You need a GP referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Access and waiting times vary significantly by region (integrated care board). In some areas, waiting lists are several months long. Your GP can advise on your local pathway.
What should I tell my prescriber about cold hands?
Tell your online prescriber about cold hands during your consultation or after starting treatment. Mention when they started, how severe they are, and whether they're affecting daily life. Your prescriber may adjust your Mounjaro dose, suggest management strategies (like keeping warm, eating adequate meals), or assess whether another medication might be more suitable for you.
How is the private Mounjaro consultation process in the UK?
You complete an online health questionnaire covering your weight, height, medical history, current medications, and symptoms. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your details to assess eligibility (BMI, health conditions, medication interactions). If approved, you receive a prescription sent electronically to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which dispenses your Mounjaro. The whole process typically takes 24–48 hours. You'll receive injection training and storage instructions.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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