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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Can You Get Mounjaro On The NHS For Weight Loss?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved by NICE and available on the NHS for weight loss in eligible adults. However, NHS access is limited to specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services rather than standard GP prescription. Eligibility depends on your BMI, health conditions, and regional availability. This guide explains how NHS Mounjaro access works in the UK, who qualifies, and how it compares to private access. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Eligibility And Access For Mounjaro
NICE approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use in July 2024, making it available through specialist weight management services across the UK. However, this does not mean your GP can simply prescribe it — access requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service.
You may be eligible if you have:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, or abnormal blood fats)
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults: BMI of 27.5 or above may qualify due to higher health risks at lower BMI
Your GP can refer you to specialist services, but waiting lists vary significantly by region and availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) funding. Some areas have waiting times of several months to over a year.
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 Vs Private Access For Mounjaro
NHS route: Free through specialist services (post-referral), but limited by waiting lists and regional availability. Prescription is managed by the specialist team with ongoing monitoring.
Private route: Faster access — prescription issued following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Costs range from approximately £129–£320/month depending on dose. You can start private treatment immediately without NHS waiting lists.
Both routes involve the same medication and doses. The key difference is speed of access and cost. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you start treatment, regardless of which route you choose.
- 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 is the NHS waiting list for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary significantly by region. Some specialist services have waiting lists of 3–6 months, whilst others exceed 12 months. Check with your local Integrated Care Board or ask your GP for current waiting times in your area when you request a referral.
Does my GP have to refer me to get Mounjaro on the NHS?
Yes. Your GP must refer you to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Your GP cannot prescribe Mounjaro directly — it is only available through specialist services following NHS NICE approval.
What if I don't meet NHS BMI criteria but want Mounjaro?
If you don't qualify through the NHS, you can access Mounjaro privately through a licensed UK prescriber following an online consultation. Private access does not require NHS referral and is available to anyone who meets clinical criteria assessed by the prescriber.
Is Mounjaro on the NHS the same as private Mounjaro?
Yes, the medication, doses, and brand (KwikPen) are identical whether prescribed through the NHS or privately. The only differences are cost, waiting time, and who manages your prescription.
What happens after I start Mounjaro through the NHS?
You will have regular check-ups with the specialist team to monitor your progress, manage side effects, and adjust your dose. You'll also receive support with diet and physical activity. Use our weight loss calculator to track expected outcomes and our progress tracker to log your weight loss journey.
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.