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 in Scotland
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through the NHS in Scotland for eligible adults, but access is limited to specialist weight management services. Unlike some areas of England, Scotland has its own commissioning pathway through NHS boards. This guide explains how the system works, who can access treatment, and what the current situation is in Scottish health services.
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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 NHS Scotland Commissions Mounjaro
Mounjaro is commissioned through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services in Scotland, not through standard GP prescribing. Unlike England, where NICE has provided direct guidance on tirzepatide prescribing, Scotland's access is managed locally by regional health boards.
- Referral to your local NHS board's weight management service is required — your GP can refer you
- Specialist assessment determines eligibility based on BMI and health conditions
- Mounjaro may be offered alongside other interventions like dietitian support and physical activity programmes
- Availability and wait times vary significantly across health boards (Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lothian, Tayside, Ayrshire and Arran, and others)
- Some boards have established protocols; others are still developing pathways
Contact your local health board directly for current availability and commissioning status in your area.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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 Eligibility vs Private Access
On the NHS in Scotland, you must meet specific BMI and health criteria. Generally, this means a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. However, NHS access is limited and subject to local commissioning decisions and waiting lists.
Private access is faster: You can access Mounjaro privately through online prescribing services with a UK-licensed prescriber, without an NHS referral. Private treatment is typically available within days to weeks, though at personal cost. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results with tirzepatide, or try our BMI calculator to check your starting point.
On the NHS in Scotland, you must meet specific BMI and health criteria. Generally, this means a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. However, NHS access is limited and subject to local commissioning decisions and waiting lists.
Private access is faster: You can access Mounjaro privately through online prescribing services with a UK-licensed prescriber, without an NHS referral. Private treatment is typically available within days to weeks, though at personal cost. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results with tirzepatide, or try our BMI calculator to check your starting point.
- 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 do I get Mounjaro through NHS Scotland?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local NHS board's specialist weight management service. You'll be assessed by a multidisciplinary team. If eligible, Mounjaro may be offered. Waiting times vary by health board, sometimes several months or longer.
What are the NHS eligibility criteria for Mounjaro in Scotland?
Generally, BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea). South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Caribbean adults may have lower BMI thresholds. Specialist assessment is required.
Is Mounjaro different from Wegovy or Ozempic?
Yes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Ozempic also contains semaglutide but is licensed for diabetes, not weight loss in the UK. Mounjaro vs Wegovy shows different mechanisms and typical weight loss outcomes.
How long are NHS waiting times for Mounjaro in Scotland?
Wait times vary widely across Scottish health boards—from several months to over a year in some areas. Contact your local NHS board's weight management service for current timescales. Private prescribing is typically faster.
What happens after I'm prescribed Mounjaro on the NHS?
You'll start on a low dose (2.5 mg) and increase weekly over 16–20 weeks to a maximum of 15 mg. Ongoing follow-up appointments monitor progress and manage side effects. Use our progress tracker to log your weight loss journey throughout treatment.
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.