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 Cough vs Wegovy — What You Need to Know
Cough is not a commonly reported side effect of either Mounjaro or Wegovy in UK clinical trials, though both GLP-1-based medications can cause respiratory symptoms in some people. If you're considering either tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight management, understanding how they compare — and how they work differently — can help you and your GP make an informed decision. This guide compares both medications factually, covering their mechanisms, clinical trial data, and what cough or respiratory symptoms actually mean for users 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.
Mechanism Differences and Clinical Trial Data
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — it activates two hormone pathways simultaneously. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist. This mechanism difference is important because it may affect how each medication is tolerated.
In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial for Mounjaro, cough was not listed as a common or very common side effect. Similarly, in the STEP-1 trial for Wegovy, cough was not a prominent reported symptom. However, both medications can slow gastric emptying — how quickly food leaves the stomach — which may occasionally trigger mild throat clearing or cough sensations, especially during the dose escalation phase. Nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation remain the most frequently reported side effects for both medications, affecting more than 1 in 10 users.
Individual responses vary significantly. Your GP can assess which medication suits your health profile using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to compare projected outcomes at different doses.
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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.
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When to Seek Medical Advice
A mild, occasional cough during the first weeks of Mounjaro or Wegovy treatment is generally not a cause for concern and may resolve as your body adjusts. However, seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent, severe cough lasting more than a few weeks
- Cough with fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
- Cough producing blood or discoloured sputum
- Signs of pancreatitis — severe stomach pain spreading to the back
These symptoms warrant immediate GP consultation, as they are not typical side effects of either medication. Your prescriber should always be informed of any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only medicines requiring ongoing clinical assessment.
- 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 cough a common side effect of Mounjaro?
Cough is not listed as a common or very common side effect in the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial data for Mounjaro. However, some users report mild throat clearing during dose escalation. If you develop a persistent cough, inform your GP or prescriber immediately.
Does Wegovy cause more cough than Mounjaro?
Neither medication lists cough as a prominent side effect in clinical trials. Both are GLP-1-based and work similarly in this regard. Individual variation is common. Your prescriber can advise if either is more suitable based on your medical history.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy mechanisms?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist (two hormone pathways), while Wegovy is a GLP-1-only agonist (one pathway). This may affect tolerability differently in individuals, but both slow gastric emptying, which can occasionally trigger mild throat sensations in some users.
Should I stop Mounjaro if I develop a cough?
A mild, transient cough may resolve as you adjust to treatment. However, never stop medication without consulting your GP. A persistent or severe cough requires medical evaluation — it may be unrelated to the injection. Always report new symptoms to your prescriber.
How do I know if my cough is from Mounjaro or something else?
Timing matters: if cough starts shortly after beginning treatment and coincides with other common side effects (nausea, diarrhoea), it may be adjustment-related. If it persists beyond the first 4–6 weeks or worsens, it's likely unrelated and warrants GP assessment for other causes.
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