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
Mounjaro on the NHS in Scotland
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is now approved by NICE for weight management on the NHS in Scotland, but access is limited to specialist tier 3 weight management services rather than standard GP prescription. Scotland's NHS approach differs from England in some regions, and availability depends on your local health board. This guide explains how the Scottish NHS system works for Mounjaro, eligibility criteria, and what to expect if you're referred to specialist services. Use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point, then understand your pathway to treatment.
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 Tier 3 Services in Scotland
In Scotland, Mounjaro is approved by NICE for weight management but is prescribed exclusively through tier 3 specialist multidisciplinary weight management services — not by GPs in primary care. You'll need a referral from your GP to access these services, which assess whether you meet criteria for prescription weight loss medication.
- BMI 30 or above (obesity), or
- BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease)
- Ethnicity adjustment: Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may be eligible at BMI 27.5 or above due to higher health risks at lower weights
Tier 3 services in Scotland include lifestyle support, behavioural counselling, and medication management. Mounjaro is recommended for patients who've tried lifestyle changes and need additional support. The KwikPen device delivers once-weekly injections starting at 2.5 mg, titrated up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly.
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.
Waiting Times and NHS vs Private Access
NHS tier 3 weight management services in Scotland have significant waiting lists — often 6–18 months depending on your health board and area. NICE guidance prioritises patients with higher BMI or significant comorbidities, which can affect your position on the waiting list.
If you can't wait for NHS assessment, private GPhC-registered online prescribing services offer faster access following an online clinical consultation. Private Mounjaro costs approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Both NHS and private routes require a clinical assessment confirming you meet eligibility criteria before prescription. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses and understand what to discuss with your prescriber.
- 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 on the NHS in Scotland?
Yes, Mounjaro is NICE-approved for NHS prescribing in Scotland, but only through tier 3 specialist weight management services. You cannot get it directly from your GP. You'll need a GP referral to access tier 3, which will assess your eligibility. Waiting times vary by health board, typically 6–18 months.
What BMI do I need to qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Adults of South Asian or Black African heritage may qualify at BMI 27.5 or above. Your tier 3 service will confirm your individual eligibility.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy on the NHS?
Both are GLP-1/GIP-based weight loss injections approved by NICE for NHS use in tier 3 services. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Clinical trial data suggests Mounjaro may result in slightly greater average weight loss, but individual results vary significantly.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Mounjaro in Scotland?
Waiting times vary significantly by health board and local demand. Many areas report waiting lists of 6–18 months. Some health boards prioritise patients with severe obesity or significant weight-related health conditions. Contact your local health board or tier 3 service for your specific waiting time estimate.
Can I switch from private Mounjaro to NHS Mounjaro?
Yes, it's possible to transition from private to NHS prescription, but this typically requires stopping private treatment and requesting a new GP referral to tier 3 services, which will place you on a waiting list. Discuss your situation with your GP and local tier 3 service to explore the best pathway for your circumstances.
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.