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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How to Access Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist approved by NICE for NHS use, but access varies significantly across the UK. You can get Mounjaro through the NHS via specialist weight management services, or privately through online prescribing. This guide explains NHS eligibility, waiting times, and cost differences between both routes so you can understand your options.
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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.
NHS Access to Mounjaro — Waiting Times and Eligibility
Access to Mounjaro on the NHS is managed through tier 3 and tier 4 specialist weight management services, not standard GP prescriptions. Your GP can refer you to your local specialist service if you meet eligibility criteria — typically a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. People of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may qualify at a lower BMI threshold of 27.5 or above.
However, NHS availability is highly variable by region. Some integrated care boards (ICBs) have long waiting lists of 6–12 months or more, while others have very limited capacity. Your GP can tell you the current situation in your area. The NHS does not charge for Mounjaro itself once prescribed through the service, but you will need to attend specialist appointments, which involve travel and time commitment. Use our free BMI calculator to check whether you fall within the eligible range for your region.
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 Mounjaro Prescribing — Cost and How It Works
Private access to Mounjaro is available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultations, followed by dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Cost varies by dose and provider, typically ranging from £150 to £320 per month, with higher doses costing more. An initial consultation fee (usually £20–£50) may apply, then ongoing prescription fees per dose. You will need to provide medical history during the online consultation — the prescriber will assess suitability based on your BMI, health conditions, and current medications.
Private prescribing offers faster access (often within days rather than months) and avoids NHS waiting lists, but the cost is your responsibility. Some private providers offer payment plans or package discounts for multiple months. Always check that the prescriber is UK-registered and the pharmacy is GPhC-accredited before proceeding.
- 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.
Is Mounjaro free on the NHS?
Mounjaro itself is free on the NHS, but you must be referred to a specialist weight management service and meet eligibility criteria. Access varies by region, and waiting lists can be very long. NHS treatment also requires attending specialist appointments for monitoring and support.
How long do I wait for Mounjaro on the NHS?
Waiting times vary significantly by integrated care board (ICB). Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer, while others have very limited provision. Contact your GP or local specialist weight management service for current waiting times in your area.
What is the cost of Mounjaro privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £150 to £320 per month depending on dose (higher doses cost more). An initial consultation fee of £20–£50 may also apply. Some providers offer package discounts for multiple months or payment plans.
How do I get a private Mounjaro prescription in the UK?
You complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, providing your medical history and BMI. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The process usually takes a few days. Always verify the prescriber is UK-registered and the pharmacy is GPhC-accredited.
Can I switch from NHS to private Mounjaro?
Yes, you can access Mounjaro privately at any time without waiting for NHS referral. Some people use private prescribing while waiting for NHS assessment, or choose private access if NHS waiting times are very long in their region. Discuss the best option for your situation with your 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.