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
Free tracker included with every download this week
What Is The Golden Dose Of Mounjaro?
The "golden dose" of Mounjaro refers to the maximum 15mg weekly injection — the highest approved dose of tirzepatide in the UK. This is the dose at which most people stabilise after completing the dose titration schedule. However, not everyone reaches or needs this dose. Access in the UK depends on whether you go through NHS specialist services or a private prescription route, both of which have different costs and timescales.
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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 Golden Dose — Cost And Access Routes In The UK
The 15mg golden dose is reached after approximately 20–24 weeks of gradual dose escalation, starting from 2.5mg. Most private prescribers charge between £180 and £320 per month for the 15mg dose, depending on the provider and whether you're paying per injection or per pack of four. Some providers offer £129–£180 for lower doses (5mg–10mg), scaling up as you progress through dose titration. NHS access to Mounjaro is free at the point of use but requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service—waiting lists vary significantly by region (ICB). The cost difference reflects the private clinical assessment, prescription fee, and delivery costs that NHS patients don't face directly. When comparing options, remember that private providers require an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber before dispensing, whereas NHS access involves specialist appointment assessment and ongoing monitoring through NHS services.
- Private 15mg Mounjaro: typically £200–£320 per month
- NHS route: free but variable waiting lists
- Dose titration: 20–24 weeks to reach 15mg
- Online prescription: same-day or next-day delivery from GPhC-registered pharmacies
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 vs Private — Which Route Is Right For You?
The NHS route offers free medication once prescribed but involves waiting times and requires GP referral to a specialist weight management service—in some regions, waits exceed 18 months. Private prescription routes are faster (prescription within 24–48 hours of assessment) and don't require NHS referral, but you pay the full cost of medication. Both routes require proof that you meet eligibility criteria: BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The online consultation process for private Mounjaro involves a health questionnaire, review by a UK-licensed prescriber, and prescription issuance if appropriate—this typically takes a few hours to one day. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at the 15mg dose, and check your BMI using our BMI calculator to confirm eligibility before pursuing either route.
- 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 is meant by the "golden dose" of Mounjaro?
The "golden dose" is the maximum 15mg weekly dose of tirzepatide (Mounjaro). It's called this informally because it's where most people achieve stabilised weight loss results after completing the gradual dose titration schedule. Not everyone needs or reaches this dose—your prescriber will assess what's right for you.
How much does Mounjaro 15mg cost on prescription in the UK?
Private Mounjaro 15mg typically costs £200–£320 per month depending on the provider. NHS provision is free at point of use but involves waiting lists. Costs vary by prescriber, so compare providers. Online consultations and delivery fees may apply privately.
How long does it take to reach the 15mg golden dose?
The dose titration schedule takes approximately 20–24 weeks. You start at 2.5mg and increase by 2.5–5mg increments every 4 weeks, assuming no significant side effects. Your prescriber may adjust the timeline based on tolerance.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS at the 15mg dose?
Yes, but you need referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Once approved and started, the full course including the 15mg dose is free through the NHS.
Is the 15mg dose of Mounjaro safe and what are the main side effects?
The 15mg dose is the approved maximum and is safe when prescribed to eligible patients. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation—usually mild and reducing over time. Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis symptoms (severe stomach pain). Always discuss risks with your prescriber.
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.