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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What Is the Mounjaro Maintenance Dose in the UK?
The Mounjaro maintenance dose in the UK typically ranges from 5mg to 15mg once weekly, depending on your individual response and tolerability. Once you've completed the titration phase (dose-escalation period), your prescriber will establish a maintenance dose that balances weight loss effectiveness with side effect management. Understanding how long you'll remain on each dose and what to expect is crucial for managing your weight loss journey successfully.
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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 Dose Titration and Maintenance Schedule in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescribed using a gradual dose-escalation schedule rather than starting at your final maintenance dose. This approach allows your body to adjust and helps your prescriber identify the lowest effective dose for you.
- Weeks 1–4: 2.5mg starting dose
- Weeks 5–8: 5mg (first maintenance option)
- Weeks 9–12: 7.5mg
- Weeks 13–16: 10mg (typical maintenance dose for many patients)
- Weeks 17–20: 12.5mg
- Week 21+: 15mg (maximum dose)
Each dose must be maintained for a minimum of 4 weeks before any increase. Most people using Mounjaro for weight management stay on doses between 5mg and 10mg as their maintenance dose, though this varies based on clinical response and side effect tolerance. Your GP or prescriber will assess your progress at each stage using clinical measurements and your reported experience.
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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 Access and Mounjaro Prescription in the UK
In the UK, Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services following NICE approval, though access varies significantly by region and ICB (integrated care board). Most patients are referred by their GP to a specialist weight management clinic, where a consultant will assess your eligibility based on BMI and weight-related health conditions. Once prescribed, maintenance doses are managed through the NHS specialist service with regular monitoring appointments.
Alternatively, Mounjaro is available privately through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultations. Private prescribing allows faster access without NHS waiting lists, though costs apply (typically £200–£320 per month depending on dose). Private prescribers also manage dose titration and maintenance, with flexibility to adjust based on your individual response and using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to project outcomes.
- 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 the typical maintenance dose of Mounjaro in the UK?
Most patients maintain on 5mg to 10mg once weekly. Some reach 15mg, but many find effective weight loss at lower doses with fewer side effects. Your prescriber determines the right maintenance dose for you based on weight loss progress and tolerability.
How long do you stay on each Mounjaro dose?
Minimum 4 weeks per dose. Your prescriber will assess your progress, side effects, and weight loss before deciding whether to increase. This allows your body to adjust and identifies the lowest effective dose for your individual needs.
Can you stay on 5mg Mounjaro as a maintenance dose?
Yes. Clinical evidence shows weight loss at 5mg, though 10mg and higher doses typically produce greater average weight loss. Your prescriber may recommend staying on 5mg if you're achieving good results and tolerating it well, or if side effects at higher doses are problematic.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS in the UK for weight management?
Yes, NICE has approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for use in NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, access varies by region and involves GP referral and waiting times. Private prescribing offers faster access without NHS waiting lists.
What happens if Mounjaro side effects occur at your maintenance dose?
Side effects like nausea or diarrhoea often improve after a few weeks as your body adjusts. If they persist, your prescriber may pause dose escalation or reduce the dose. Staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, and dietary adjustments often help. Discuss any concerns with your prescriber or GP.
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.