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 For Diabetes On The NHS: Cost, Access & How To Get It
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injection that can help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss alongside diabetes control. In the UK, you can access Mounjaro through the NHS or privately, but costs, waiting times, and eligibility criteria differ significantly between the two routes. This guide explains how to get Mounjaro, what it costs, and whether you might be eligible through your NHS GP or private prescribing.
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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.
NHS Vs Private Access: Cost And Eligibility
NHS access to Mounjaro for diabetes: The NHS does prescribe Mounjaro, but primarily through specialist diabetes services rather than standard GP prescription. Your GP can refer you to your local diabetes clinic, where a consultant will assess whether Mounjaro is appropriate for your individual circumstances. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved tirzepatide for use in the NHS, but availability varies significantly by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board). Waiting times for NHS specialist assessment can range from several weeks to several months depending on your area.
Private prescription costs: Through private prescribing routes, Mounjaro costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose and the prescribing provider. A Mounjaro KwikPen contains four weekly injections (one month's supply). Starting doses (2.5 mg) are usually lower cost than maximum doses (15 mg). Private prescriptions require an online clinical assessment from a UK-licensed prescriber, which typically costs £20–£50 and can be completed the same day.
- NHS: Free at point of use, but eligibility and regional availability vary
- Private: £129–£320 per month plus consultation fee, no waiting list
- Both routes require clinical assessment and eligibility criteria to be met
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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.
How To Access Mounjaro: NHS Referral Vs Private Route
Getting Mounjaro through the NHS: Start by discussing with your GP whether you have type 2 diabetes and whether Mounjaro might be suitable. Your GP can refer you to your local specialist diabetes service (tier 3 or tier 4 service). At the clinic, a diabetes consultant will review your blood sugar control, current medications, and weight to decide if Mounjaro is appropriate. The process is thorough but can take months due to waiting lists in many regions.
Getting Mounjaro privately: You can access private Mounjaro prescriptions through UK-regulated online prescribing services. The process typically involves completing an online health questionnaire, having a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (often via video or phone), and receiving your prescription electronically to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route is faster (often same-day prescribing) and doesn't require an NHS referral, but you pay the full cost. Use our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand your personal health metrics before 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.
Is Mounjaro free on the NHS?
Mounjaro is free at point of use if prescribed through the NHS, but access is through specialist diabetes services, not standard GP prescription. Availability varies by region, and waiting lists can be several months. You'll need GP referral and specialist assessment to access it.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. A KwikPen contains four weekly injections. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are usually cheaper than higher doses. Online consultations cost £20–£50 extra.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro prescriptions?
NHS prescriptions are free but involve waiting lists and regional restrictions. Private prescriptions are faster (often same-day) but you pay the full cost. Both require clinical assessment. Private routes don't need NHS referral.
How do I get referred to the NHS for Mounjaro?
Speak to your GP about your type 2 diabetes management. Your GP can refer you to your local specialist diabetes service (tier 3/4). A consultant will assess your eligibility and decide if Mounjaro is appropriate for your individual health situation.
What dose of Mounjaro will I be prescribed?
Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once weekly. Your prescriber will increase the dose gradually every 4 weeks if needed, moving through 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and finally 15 mg. Your dose depends on your response and tolerability.
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.