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 on the NHS — How to Access & What It Costs
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weekly injection that's available through both the NHS and private prescribers in the UK. If you're wondering whether you can get Mounjaro on the NHS or what private options cost, this guide explains the UK routes to access, eligibility criteria, and realistic timelines. NICE has approved tirzepatide for NHS use, but access varies significantly by region. Understanding both pathways can help you make an informed decision about weight management support.
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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.
How to Access Mounjaro Through the NHS
Mounjaro is available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services, not from your GP directly. To access it, you'll typically need to be referred by your GP to your local integrated care board (ICB) weight management service. Once referred, you'll undergo a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility based on your BMI and any weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.
- You must have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 with qualifying health conditions
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds may apply (27.5+)
- NHS access is free once prescribed, but waiting times can be significant—often 6–12+ months depending on your region
- Availability varies; some areas have limited capacity or long waiting lists
Your GP can advise on your local NHS tier 3 service and referral process. Regional variation in funding and availability is a key consideration when planning NHS access.
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.
Private Prescription Routes & Costs
Private prescription routes offer faster access without NHS waiting lists. A UK-licensed prescriber conducts an online clinical assessment, and if appropriate, issues a prescription that's dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on your dose (2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly). You pay for the full cost privately, with no NHS subsidy. This route means you can start treatment within days rather than months, though you'll manage the medication cost yourself.
- Online consultation: usually £30–£100
- Mounjaro supply: £100–£250+ per month depending on dose escalation
- No NHS subsidy—full cost is your responsibility
- Faster access: prescription and delivery typically within 5–7 days
- 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.
Can I get Mounjaro free on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro is available free on the NHS through specialist weight management services, but you must be referred by your GP and meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27–29.9 with health conditions). Access is limited and waiting times can be 6–12+ months depending on your region. Availability varies by integrated care board.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on your weekly dose (starting at 2.5 mg, up to 15 mg). You'll also pay for the initial online clinical assessment (£30–£100). Full costs are your responsibility as there's no NHS subsidy for private prescriptions.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro?
The medication is identical. The difference is access speed, cost, and oversight. NHS is free but involves waiting lists and specialist referral. Private is paid out-of-pocket but faster (usually 5–7 days) and doesn't require NHS referral. Both require a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber.
How do I get referred to NHS Mounjaro services?
Contact your GP and ask for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service through your integrated care board (ICB). Your GP will assess whether you meet criteria, then initiate the referral. You'll be contacted by the specialist service to arrange an assessment. Timelines vary by region.
Is Mounjaro the same as tirzepatide?
Yes. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. It's a dual-action weekly injection licensed in the UK for weight management. Understanding that Mounjaro is tirzepatide helps when researching clinical trials and comparing with other weight loss options like Wegovy (semaglutide).
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.