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 Cost and Access — UK Routes Explained
If you're considering Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management in the UK, understanding how to access it and what it costs is essential. Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine available through both NHS specialist services and private online consultations. The route you choose affects both cost and waiting times. This guide explains the two main pathways, what eligibility looks like, and what you can realistically expect at each dose level. Use our free BMI calculator above to check if you may meet eligibility criteria, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential outcomes.
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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.
Private Mounjaro Access and Costs in the UK
Private prescription route: Mounjaro is available through UK-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a licensed prescriber. This route does not require NHS referral and typically offers shorter waiting times than NHS specialist services.
- Starting dose (2.5 mg): Approximately £129–£150 per month
- Mid-range doses (5–10 mg): Approximately £149–£199 per month
- Higher doses (12.5–15 mg): Approximately £199–£249 per month
Costs vary slightly between providers and may include consultation fees. Each KwikPen contains four weeks of injections. Payment is typically made per pen rather than per individual injection. The Mounjaro KwikPen must be stored in a refrigerator until use, then can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days after opening. Private access offers flexibility but requires personal payment — there is no prescription exemption available for weight management use.
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: Routes and Timelines
NHS route: Mounjaro is approved by NICE for use within specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, NHS access is not direct — you must be referred by your GP to a specialist weight management service in your region. Access varies significantly by area. Some ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) have limited capacity; waiting lists can exceed 12–24 months in some regions. Once assessed by a specialist, the medication is provided free on prescription.
Private online route: You complete an online questionnaire, have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (often within 24–48 hours), and if approved, receive a prescription to dispense at a registered pharmacy. This route is faster but you pay the full cost. Choose based on your circumstances: NHS if you can wait and prefer free medication; private if you prioritise speed and can afford out-of-pocket costs.
- 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 available on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is NICE-approved for NHS weight management services. However, NHS access is through specialist tier 3 services only — not via standard GP prescription. You need a referral from your GP. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Check with your local ICB for current timelines in your area.
How much does a month's supply of Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs approximately £129–£249 per month depending on dose. Starting dose (2.5 mg) is around £129–£150; mid-range doses (5–10 mg) are £149–£199; higher doses (12.5–15 mg) are £199–£249. Costs may vary between providers. Each pen provides four weeks of injections.
Can I get Mounjaro on a NHS prescription without referral to specialist services?
No. Mounjaro for weight management is only available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, not through standard GP prescription. You must be referred by your GP to a specialist service in your area. NICE guidance restricts NHS Mounjaro to these specialist pathways only.
How long does the private online consultation process take?
Private online consultations typically take 24–48 hours from application to prescriber decision. The initial questionnaire takes 10–15 minutes to complete. If approved, your prescription is sent to a registered pharmacy within hours. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days, so the entire process from application to receiving your first pen is usually 3–7 days.
What happens if I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy or another GLP-1 medication?
Any switch between medications must be managed by your prescriber — never switch without guidance. Approximate dose equivalences exist (e.g. Mounjaro 5 mg ≈ Wegovy 0.5 mg), but these are not official conversions. Your prescriber will advise on safe switching protocols, timing, and any dose adjustments needed for your individual situation.
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.