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 Medication — How to Access and Cost in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight management injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescription routes. Access and cost vary significantly depending on whether you pursue NHS or private pathways, and your individual eligibility. This guide explains your options, typical costs, and what to expect at each stage of the process.
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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 Mounjaro Access and Typical UK Costs
In the UK, Mounjaro is available privately through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose you're prescribed and the provider you use. Each KwikPen contains 4 weekly doses (one month's supply). Starting doses (2.5 mg) are generally at the lower end of this range, while higher maintenance doses (10–15 mg) cost more. Private prescribing does not require NHS referral or specialist appointment, making it faster than NHS routes in most areas. You complete an online health questionnaire, have a video or phone consultation with a prescriber, and if approved, receive a prescription to be dispensed by a pharmacy. Costs are paid directly by you—private prescriptions are not covered by NHS or most standard insurance policies.
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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 Routes — What You Need to Know
NHS access: Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. You are typically referred by your GP, assessed by the specialist team, and if eligible, prescribed and monitored through the NHS at no cost. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region and integrated care board (ICB). Waiting lists for specialist services can extend from several months to over a year in many areas. Private access: Faster to obtain (typically within days), no NHS waiting list, but you pay the full cost. Both routes require a clinical assessment confirming you meet eligibility criteria: BMI of 30+ or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Your prescriber will assess suitability based on your medical history, medications, and contraindications.
- 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 per month in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose. Each KwikPen contains 4 weekly doses. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are usually cheaper than higher maintenance doses (10–15 mg). Costs vary slightly between providers but are comparable across GPhC-registered pharmacies. NHS prescriptions are free once prescribed through specialist services.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4). You need referral from your GP and assessment by a specialist team. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region—some areas have very long waiting lists. If approved, NHS prescriptions are free, but the process can take several months.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and tirzepatide?
Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. They are the same medication. Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly and delivered via KwikPen injection. Understanding both terms helps when researching UK prescribing options and comparing with other weight loss injections like Wegovy (semaglutide).
How do I apply for Mounjaro privately in the UK?
Contact a GPhC-registered online pharmacy or weight management service. Complete a health questionnaire, then have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (usually online or by phone). If approved, you'll receive a prescription to be dispensed and posted to you. The entire process typically takes 2–7 days. You pay the prescription cost directly.
Is Mounjaro more expensive than Wegovy in the UK?
Costs are broadly comparable—both range from approximately £129 to £320 per month depending on dose. Wegovy (semaglutide) starts at a lower dose (0.25 mg) and titrates to 2.4 mg, while Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg and goes up to 15 mg. Exact pricing depends on the specific dose and provider. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, then compare costs with your chosen prescriber.
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.