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 in the UK: Cost and Access
Once you've reached your maintenance dose of Mounjaro (typically 15 mg once weekly, though it varies by individual), understanding the ongoing cost and how to access it in the UK is essential. Whether you're considering tirzepatide through the NHS or private prescription routes, this guide explains what you'll pay, how to get treatment, and what the maintenance phase involves. UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment. Use our free BMI calculator above to check where you stand.
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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.
Private Prescription Costs for Mounjaro in the UK
Private prescription costs for Mounjaro vary depending on the maintenance dose prescribed. At the standard maintenance dose of 15 mg, expect to pay approximately £180–£280 per month through private online prescribing services, though costs vary between providers and can differ if you're prescribed a lower maintenance dose (e.g., 10 mg or 12.5 mg). Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of injections, so monthly cost usually reflects one pen. Private costs typically include the prescription assessment and medication, though some providers may charge separately for the clinical consultation.
- Maintenance doses of 10 mg or 12.5 mg may cost slightly less (around £150–£240/month)
- Escalation from lower doses takes a minimum of 4 weeks per dose level, so reaching maintenance typically takes 4–5 months
- All private prescriptions require an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber
- Private access is faster than NHS routes but not available through the standard NHS prescription system
Once you reach your maintenance dose, costs remain consistent monthly. Using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you project potential outcomes at your maintenance dose to better understand the investment.
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 vs Private: Which Route Works for You?
NHS access to Mounjaro is available but differs significantly from private routes. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS specialist weight management services, but access is strictly through tier 3/4 specialist services following a GP referral—not from your GP directly. NHS waiting lists vary dramatically by region, with some areas experiencing delays of 12–24 months. Private prescription routes via online consultations are faster (often prescribed within days) but cost approximately £180–£280 monthly. You'll need to provide medical history and have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber; if approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Neither route assures treatment—individual clinical assessment determines eligibility. Compare your options: NHS route is free but slower; private is quicker but costs you directly.
- 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's the standard Mounjaro maintenance dose?
The maximum maintenance dose is 15 mg once weekly, though some patients stabilise at 10 mg or 12.5 mg depending on tolerability and clinical response. Your prescriber will determine your optimal maintenance dose during the titration phase. Once reached, you continue that dose unless adjustments are needed due to side effects or other factors. Individual responses vary significantly.
How much does Mounjaro cost per month in the UK?
Private prescription costs range from approximately £180–£280 monthly depending on the maintenance dose and provider. Each KwikPen (4 weeks) represents one month's supply. Costs include the medication and clinical assessment. NHS access is free but requires specialist referral and involves significantly longer waiting times in most regions.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS for weight management?
Yes, NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS specialist weight management services. However, access is strictly through tier 3/4 specialist services via GP referral—not standard GP prescriptions. Eligibility criteria and availability vary by region (ICB), and waiting lists can be very long (12–24 months in some areas). Private prescription is faster alternative.
How long does it take to reach maintenance dose?
Reaching maintenance dose typically takes 4–5 months. You start at 2.5 mg, then increase weekly: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and finally 15 mg (or your prescribed maintenance dose). Each dose level requires minimum 4 weeks before escalation. Your prescriber monitors tolerability and adjusts timing if needed.
What happens once I'm on my maintenance dose?
Once you reach maintenance, you continue that dose weekly (usually 15 mg) for as long as treatment continues. You'll have regular check-ins with your prescriber to monitor side effects, weight loss progress, and any health changes. If side effects become problematic, your prescriber may adjust your dose downward. Treatment continuation depends on clinical response and your health goals.
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.