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 PCOS — NHS and Private Options in the UK
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting many UK women, often linked to weight management challenges and insulin resistance. Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist injection, may help support weight management for people with PCOS — but accessing it in the UK depends on whether you pursue NHS or private routes. This guide explains your options, costs, and eligibility thresholds so you can make an informed decision about your health.
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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.
Mounjaro Cost and Access Routes in the UK
In the UK, you can access Mounjaro through two main pathways: NHS specialist services or private prescription. The route you take affects cost, waiting times, and how quickly you can start treatment.
NHS Route: If eligible, Mounjaro may be prescribed through tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management services. Access is free at point of use, but availability varies significantly by region (ICB). Many NHS areas have lengthy waiting lists — sometimes 6–12 months or longer — because demand for weight loss medications exceeds current capacity. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS weight management services for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions.
Private Route: You can obtain Mounjaro through a private prescription following an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. This typically costs between £129–£240 per month depending on your dose (ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly). Private access is faster — usually within days rather than months — and does not require NHS referral.
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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.
NHS Eligibility for PCOS and When to Consider Private Access
For NHS Mounjaro access, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. PCOS qualifies as a weight-related condition because it increases insulin resistance and metabolic risk. However, NHS eligibility and availability remain challenging: referral to specialist services is required, assessment can take weeks, and many regions have no current capacity.
If your NHS area has long waiting lists or limited services, private prescription may be faster. A UK-licensed prescriber will assess your eligibility during an online consultation — typically within 24 hours. You'll need to provide your medical history, current medications, and confirmation of your PCOS diagnosis. Once approved, your prescription is sent to a registered pharmacy for dispensing. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check your current baseline.
- 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.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS for PCOS?
Possibly, but it depends on your region and NHS capacity. PCOS qualifies as a weight-related condition, making you potentially eligible if your BMI is 30+ or 27–29.9 with comorbidities. You'll need GP referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. NHS availability is extremely limited in many areas, with waiting lists often exceeding 6–12 months. Contact your local ICB or ask your GP about current capacity in your region.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£240 per month depending on your dose. Starter doses (2.5–5 mg) are usually cheaper; maintenance doses (10–15 mg) are more expensive. You'll also pay for the online consultation, typically £20–£50. Prices vary between providers, so it's worth comparing. Always check that your prescriber is UK-licensed and the pharmacy is GPhC-registered.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS is free but requires referral, assessment, and often faces long waiting lists (months to years in many areas). Private is faster (days), doesn't require NHS referral, but costs £129–£240/month. Both require prescription-only status and clinical assessment. Choose NHS if you're eligible and can wait; choose private if you need faster access and can afford the cost.
Will PCOS make me more eligible for Mounjaro?
Yes, PCOS is recognised as a weight-related health condition, which lowers the BMI threshold for eligibility. Instead of needing BMI 30+, you may qualify at BMI 27–29.9 with PCOS. However, eligibility still requires assessment by a healthcare professional, and NHS availability remains the limiting factor in most regions.
How long does a private Mounjaro prescription take to get approved?
Private online consultations typically take 24–48 hours from submission. Once approved, your prescription is sent to a registered pharmacy within hours. You'll usually receive your first KwikPen within 2–5 working days. This is significantly faster than NHS routes, which can take months from GP referral to specialist assessment to prescription initiation.
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.