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 Through the NHS in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight loss injection that is available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing routes. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS weight management services, though access varies significantly across regions. Whether you can get Mounjaro on the NHS depends on your BMI, health conditions, and your local integrated care board (ICB) capacity. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect from the referral 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.
NHS Access to Mounjaro: Eligibility and the Referral Route
Mounjaro is available through the NHS for adults who meet specific weight and health criteria. You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds may apply — eligibility can start at BMI 27.5 or above, because these groups face higher health risks at lower weights.
To access Mounjaro on the NHS, you typically need to be referred by your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. These are multidisciplinary teams that provide structured weight management programmes, often including dietitians, psychologists, and doctors trained in obesity management. Your GP will assess whether referral is appropriate for you based on your health and circumstances.
- Ask your GP about local specialist weight management services in your area
- Your GP will complete a referral form
- You'll be assessed by the specialist service before Mounjaro is prescribed
- Waiting times vary — some areas have waiting lists 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.
Regional Variation and Private Alternatives
NHS availability of Mounjaro is extremely variable across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some regions have good access and short waiting lists; others have limited capacity or no current provision. This variation means some patients wait many months for assessment, whilst others cannot access it on the NHS at all in their area.
If NHS access is limited in your region, Mounjaro is also available privately through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. Private options are faster (often within days) but involve a cost, typically £150–£300 per month depending on dose. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results, and discuss all options — including alternative weight loss approaches — with your GP before deciding on a treatment route.
If you're considering any weight loss treatment, use our BMI calculator above to check where you stand on NHS guidelines, and track your progress over time with our free progress tracker tool.
- 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.
Do I need to go private for Mounjaro, or can I get it on the NHS?
Mounjaro is available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria and your local ICB has capacity. However, availability varies greatly by region — some areas have long waiting lists or limited access. Many people opt for private prescribing instead for faster access. Your GP can advise on NHS options in your area.
What BMI do I need to be eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You generally need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure). If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the threshold may be lower — eligibility can start at BMI 27.5 or above.
How long does it take to get Mounjaro through the NHS?
Timelines vary significantly by region. Some specialist services can begin assessment within weeks; others have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. The total time from GP referral to receiving your first injection can range from 2–18 months depending on your area and service capacity.
Is Mounjaro the same as the weight loss injection used for type 2 diabetes?
Mounjaro is tirzepatide, a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is licensed specifically for weight management in the UK. It is not the same as insulin or diabetes-only medications, though people with type 2 diabetes may be eligible for Mounjaro based on their weight and health needs.
What happens at a specialist weight management assessment?
The specialist service will review your medical history, assess your BMI and health conditions, discuss your weight loss goals and previous attempts, and evaluate whether Mounjaro is appropriate for you. They'll also discuss diet, physical activity, and how to use the injection. Assessment usually involves a doctor, dietitian, or both.
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.