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 Maintenance Dose For Life: UK Cost and Access Guide
If you're considering Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for long-term weight management, understanding the maintenance dose and the costs involved is essential. Once you've reached your target dose—typically 15 mg once weekly—you'll stay on that maintenance dose as long as you continue treatment. In the UK, you can access Mounjaro through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescription routes, each with different costs and timelines. This guide covers what maintenance dosing means, how much it costs, and your options for getting Mounjaro 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.
What Is Mounjaro Maintenance Dosing and How Much Does It Cost?
Once you've completed the dose titration schedule—typically reaching 15 mg over 16–20 weeks—you enter the maintenance phase. At maintenance, you continue the same 15 mg once-weekly injection indefinitely, as long as weight loss is being achieved and side effects are manageable. This is different from a course of treatment with a defined end date.
UK private prescription costs for Mounjaro maintenance vary by provider but typically range from £180–£280 per month for the maximum 15 mg dose. A single KwikPen contains 4 weeks of injections (four pre-filled pens per box). Cost per dose averages £45–£70 depending on the provider and whether you're on a subscription or pay-per-box model. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss outcomes at the maintenance dose.
- Once-weekly injection for ongoing management
- Monthly costs reflect the 15 mg maintenance dose
- Some providers offer discounts for direct debit subscriptions
- Costs vary between private prescribing services
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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 Access: Routes to Mounjaro in the UK
NHS route: Mounjaro is approved by NICE for tier 3/4 specialist weight management services. You'll need a GP referral, an assessment by the specialist team, and may face waiting lists of several months to over a year depending on your region. Once prescribed through the NHS, tirzepatide is typically free at the point of use.
Private route: You can access Mounjaro through GPhC-registered online prescribing services without an NHS referral. An online clinical assessment takes 10–15 minutes, and if approved, your prescription is sent to a pharmacy within 24 hours. Delivery usually arrives within 3–5 working days. This route offers faster access but at private cost. Use our BMI calculator to confirm your eligibility before starting an online 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.
How long do you stay on Mounjaro if it's working?
If Mounjaro is helping you lose weight and side effects are manageable, you can continue maintenance dosing (typically 15 mg weekly) for as long as you wish. There is no set "end date." However, you and your prescriber should review progress regularly—usually every 3–6 months—to ensure continued benefit and that it remains appropriate for your health.
What happens if you stop Mounjaro after reaching maintenance dose?
Weight loss typically slows and may reverse over time after stopping Mounjaro. Clinical evidence shows that without the medication, many people regain weight because appetite and hunger cues return to baseline. This is why maintenance dosing is considered ongoing treatment rather than a short-term course.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS for long-term maintenance?
Yes, NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use in specialist weight management services (tier 3/4). However, NHS prescribing availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Once approved by an NHS specialist team, the medication is typically provided free at the point of use.
How much does Mounjaro cost per month privately in the UK?
Private prescription costs for the 15 mg maintenance dose typically range from £180–£280 per month, depending on the provider. A single KwikPen box contains 4 weeks of injections. Some services offer subscription discounts or pay-per-box options. Compare providers to find the best pricing for your needs.
Can you compare Mounjaro maintenance costs versus Wegovy?
Mounjaro and Wegovy differ in mechanism—Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only. Maintenance doses also differ: Mounjaro maxes at 15 mg weekly, Wegovy at 2.4 mg weekly. Private costs are broadly similar (£180–£280/month), but individual pricing varies by provider. Your prescriber can advise which is more suitable based on your health profile.
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.