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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How to Access Mounjaro in the UK — Cost & Route Guide
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in the UK through two main routes: NHS specialist services and private prescription following an online clinical assessment. The cost, eligibility criteria, and waiting times differ significantly between these routes. Understanding your options—including NHS access through tier 3 weight management services and private prescription costs—helps you make an informed decision about this prescription-only weight loss injection. This guide covers NHS and private access, what to expect, and how tirzepatide compares to other weight loss options available 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.
Private Prescription Costs and Access Routes
Private prescription Mounjaro costs in the UK typically range from approximately £130–£320 per month depending on your dose, with prices varying by provider. You start on the lowest dose (2.5 mg) and titrate upwards over 16–20 weeks to the maximum 15 mg dose. Each KwikPen contains 4 weekly injections, so costs reflect your current dose level.
- Starting dose (2.5 mg): typically £130–£160/month
- Mid-range doses (5–10 mg): typically £160–£240/month
- Maximum dose (15 mg): typically £280–£320/month
Access via private prescription requires an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. Following assessment, if approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. This route avoids NHS waiting lists—typically available within 1–2 weeks of consultation—but you pay the full cost yourself. Some private providers offer subscription models or dose-stacking discounts. Costs do not include GP supervision, which is optional but recommended; some GPs charge £50–£100 for ongoing monitoring appointments.
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 Access and the Specialist Route
NHS access to Mounjaro is through tier 3 (or tier 4) specialist weight management services. You cannot obtain Mounjaro on prescription from your GP directly. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist services, but availability varies dramatically by region and by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Many areas have waiting lists of 6 months to 2+ years. To access NHS Mounjaro: contact your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service; you'll be assessed against NHS eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30 or ≥27.5 with weight-related health conditions); if approved, the NHS covers the full cost—no patient charge.
The main advantage is cost (free on the NHS); the main disadvantage is waiting time and variable access. Ask your GP whether your ICB currently offers tirzepatide and what the typical waiting time is in your area. You can also contact your local NHS weight management service directly for information on current commissioning.
Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different Mounjaro doses, and our BMI calculator to check your starting BMI—both useful for your GP appointment or private consultation. Alongside cost and access, consider your clinical eligibility, the time you can wait, and whether you prefer NHS oversight or private convenience.
- 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.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK per month?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £130–£320/month depending on your dose. Starting dose (2.5 mg) is around £130–£160; mid-range doses (5–10 mg) are £160–£240; maximum dose (15 mg) is £280–£320. Costs vary by provider. Prescription via online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber; no NHS waiting list.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use within specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, NHS access is restricted, regional, and typically involves waiting lists of 6 months to 2+ years depending on your ICB area. Ask your GP for a referral and check current availability in your region.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS: free but involves GP referral, specialist assessment, and potential long waiting lists. Private: faster access (1–2 weeks), full cost to you (£130–£320/month), online consultation with a licensed prescriber, dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacy. Both require clinical assessment and prescription.
Do I need my GP's permission to get Mounjaro privately?
No, you do not need GP permission for private Mounjaro. However, it's recommended to inform your GP that you're considering or using prescription weight loss medication so they can monitor your health, check for interactions with other medications, and support your weight loss plan alongside the injection.
What happens after I get a private Mounjaro prescription?
After online assessment and approval, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The pharmacy dispenses your KwikPen (containing 4 weekly injections). You inject yourself once weekly, rotating injection sites (stomach, thigh, or upper arm). Doses titrate from 2.5 mg over 4-week intervals up to your target dose. Follow-up consultations with your prescriber are available if needed.
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.