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 — NHS and Online Pharmacy Routes
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in the UK through two main routes: NHS specialist weight management services and private online pharmacies. Understanding which route is right for you depends on your eligibility, location, and timeline. Both require a prescription from a UK-licensed healthcare professional following a clinical assessment. This guide explains how the NHS pathway works, what private online access involves, and what you need to know before starting Mounjaro.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
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 Access to Mounjaro — Eligibility and Tier 3 Services
NICE approval and NHS availability: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist weight management services. However, access is not through your GP—it requires referral to a tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service in your area.
Who is eligible for NHS Mounjaro:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease)
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults: lower BMI thresholds may apply (eligibility from BMI 27.5 or above)
Important reality: NHS availability varies significantly by region. Some areas have well-established tier 3 services; others have lengthy waiting lists. Your GP can advise on local provision and make a referral, but there is no assures of access or timeline. Many patients wait months or years for NHS specialist services. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different Mounjaro doses while you wait.
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.
Private Online Access to Mounjaro in the UK
Private route advantages: Private online pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) can prescribe Mounjaro following a remote clinical assessment—no NHS referral required. You complete an online health questionnaire, a UK-licensed prescriber reviews your details, and if approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
What to expect: Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. The Mounjaro KwikPen contains four weeks of injections. Private access is faster (often within days of assessment) and gives you immediate control over your timeline. However, you pay entirely out of pocket—no NHS cost-sharing applies.
Before starting: Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI against NHS eligibility criteria, and our weight loss calculator to project potential outcomes with Mounjaro.
- 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 in the UK?
Yes, but access is limited to specialist tier 3 weight management services through referral. NICE has approved Mounjaro for NHS use, but availability varies greatly by region. Many areas have waiting lists. Your GP can refer you, but there's no assures of access or timeline. Private online access is often faster for those who can afford it.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro prescribing?
NHS access is through specialist weight management services following GP referral—it's free but may involve waiting months. Private access is through online pharmacies following a remote clinical assessment—it's faster but you pay the full cost (typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose). Both require a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber.
How much does Mounjaro cost on a private online pharmacy in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses are cheaper; higher doses cost more. Each KwikPen contains four weeks of injections. Prices vary by pharmacy, so compare before committing. Private prescriptions are not subsidised by the NHS.
Do I need a prescription to get Mounjaro from an online pharmacy?
Yes, absolutely. Mounjaro is prescription-only in the UK. An online pharmacy cannot dispense it without a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber (doctor or nurse prescriber). The prescriber will assess your medical history, current medications, and eligibility through a clinical questionnaire before issuing a prescription.
How does the Mounjaro dose titration work, and does it differ between NHS and private?
Mounjaro dose titration is the same regardless of route. You start at 2.5 mg weekly, increase to 5 mg after four weeks, then increase every 4 weeks (7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 mg) based on response and tolerability. Your prescriber (NHS or private) will guide dose increases. Maximum dose is 15 mg weekly. Dose titration takes at least 16–20 weeks to reach the maximum.
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.