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 Face Aging — UK Access and Cost Guide
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can cause changes to facial appearance during weight loss, sometimes called "Mounjaro face." Understanding how to access this prescription-only medication in the UK involves knowing both NHS and private routes, along with the realistic costs involved. Whether you're considering Mounjaro through specialist weight management services or private prescription, this guide explains your options and what to expect financially.
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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.
How Much Does Mounjaro Cost in the UK?
Private prescription costs for Mounjaro in the UK typically range from £130 to £300 per month, depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are generally cheaper than higher maintenance doses like 15 mg. Each KwikPen contains four weekly injections, so a full month's supply is one pen.
Factors affecting cost:
- Dose level — higher doses cost more
- Prescribing provider fees — varies by online clinic
- Supply frequency — monthly or three-month supplies
- Additional consultation charges
Unlike Wegovy, which is widely available privately, Mounjaro availability through private prescribing is still more limited in the UK, which may affect pricing and access. NHS access through tier 3 specialist weight management services is free at point of care, but waiting times vary significantly by region and availability can be restricted.
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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.
NHS vs Private Routes — Which Is Right for You?
NHS route: Referral through your GP to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service. Free on the NHS but often involves long waiting lists (months to years in some regions). Eligibility assessed by the specialist team. Prescription issued and monitored through the NHS.
Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, typically completed within days. You pay privately for the prescription and medication through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Faster access but higher cost. No NHS referral needed. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential outcomes before committing to either route.
Online private consultations are simple: complete a health questionnaire, have a brief video or telephone consultation with a UK-licensed doctor, and receive your prescription if appropriate. The prescriber will assess your BMI, check for contraindications (including any previous pancreatitis or gallbladder issues), and review current medications. Try our BMI calculator to check your eligibility threshold before booking a consultation.
- 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.
What causes "Mounjaro face" and can it be prevented?
gradual weight management from Mounjaro can reduce facial fat and volume, creating a more hollow or aged appearance — sometimes called "Mounjaro face." This isn't a side effect but a consequence of how the face changes during significant weight loss. Slower weight loss, good skincare, hydration, and adequate protein intake may help minimize visible changes, though results vary individually.
How much will Mounjaro cost me on private prescription in the UK?
Private Mounjaro typically costs £130–£300 per month depending on dose and provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are cheaper; maximum doses (15 mg) are more expensive. Additional consultation fees vary. Many providers offer discounts for three-month supplies. Always check the full cost before committing to a private prescription.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS for weight management in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved on the NHS through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. However, access varies significantly by region and ICB. Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service. Waiting times can be several months to over a year in some areas.
How do I get a private prescription for Mounjaro in the UK?
Book an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through a registered clinic. Complete a health questionnaire, have a brief consultation (video or telephone), and receive your prescription if eligible. The prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. The entire process typically takes 2–7 days.
Is Mounjaro more expensive than Wegovy in the UK?
Pricing is similar — both typically £130–£300 monthly privately, depending on dose. Wegovy may be slightly cheaper at lower doses, while higher Mounjaro doses can be comparable. Individual provider pricing varies significantly, so compare quotes before committing. Mounjaro may have limited private availability in some UK regions.
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.