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
Accessing Mounjaro on the NHS in Wales
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight management injection that may help eligible adults lose weight. In Wales, NHS access is available through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services, though availability and waiting times vary across health boards. This guide explains how to access Mounjaro in Wales, eligibility criteria, and what to expect from the NHS pathway. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results, and our BMI calculator to check if you might qualify for 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.
How to Access Mounjaro Through the NHS in Wales
Mounjaro is available on the NHS in Wales for adults who meet NICE approval criteria. Access is through specialist weight management services — you cannot simply ask your GP to prescribe it directly. The usual pathway is:
- Your GP refers you to your local NHS Wales health board's tier 3 weight management service
- The specialist team assesses your eligibility (BMI, health conditions, previous weight management attempts)
- If approved, you receive Mounjaro as part of a supervised weight management programme
- The dose is increased gradually from 2.5 mg to a maintenance dose over several months
Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. People of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may be eligible from a lower BMI. Check your BMI using our free calculator above to see where you stand.
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.
NHS Waiting Times and Private Alternatives in Wales
Waiting times for NHS specialist weight management services in Wales vary significantly by health board — some areas have waits of 6–18 months. If you prefer not to wait, private online prescribing is available. Private providers can issue a prescription for Mounjaro following an online clinical assessment, and it's dispensed by a UK-registered pharmacy. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on dose. Both NHS and private routes require clinical assessment to confirm suitability. Our GLP-1 calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss outcomes alongside lifestyle changes, and our progress tracker lets you monitor your journey once you start treatment.
- 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.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for NHS access in Wales?
Both are GLP-1/GIP weight management injections available on the NHS, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials show both are effective for weight loss. NHS Wales can prescribe either through specialist services — availability depends on your local health board's formulary and stock. Ask your specialist which option is available in your area.
How long does it take to get Mounjaro through the NHS in Wales?
Waiting times vary by health board. Initial GP referral to specialist assessment typically takes 2–4 weeks, but specialist services may have longer waits — sometimes 6–18 months depending on demand and capacity in your area. If waiting time is a concern, private online prescribing can provide faster access, though you'll need to cover the cost privately.
What BMI do I need for Mounjaro on the NHS in Wales?
You generally need a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Caribbean heritage may qualify from BMI 27.5. Use our BMI calculator to check your personal BMI and see if you might be eligible.
Can I get Mounjaro privately in Wales instead of waiting for the NHS?
Yes. Private UK-licensed prescribers can assess you for Mounjaro via an online consultation and issue a prescription if appropriate. It's then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. This route doesn't require NHS referral and typically takes 1–2 weeks from consultation to first dose. Costs are usually £129–£320 per month depending on the dose you're prescribed. Both NHS and private routes require clinical assessment.
What results can I expect from Mounjaro in Wales?
Clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1) showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight on Mounjaro, but individual results vary significantly. Results depend on your starting weight, the dose you reach, your diet, activity level, and how well you tolerate the medication. Weight loss typically starts after 4–8 weeks and continues as your dose increases. Our GLP-1 calculator can show estimated weight loss ranges, and our progress tracker helps you monitor your actual results once you start.
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.