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 Wales: Cost and Access Guide
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available on the NHS in Wales for eligible adults, but access is limited and waiting times can be lengthy. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how the Welsh health system manages Mounjaro prescriptions, cost differences between NHS and private routes, and what to expect during the referral process. Whether you're considering NHS access or exploring private prescription options, understanding your routes to treatment is essential. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI and eligibility starting point.
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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 in Wales
Mounjaro is approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and available through NHS specialist weight management services across Wales, including services in Cardiff, Swansea, and other major health board areas. Access is through tier 3 (specialist) weight management services, not standard GP prescription. Your GP can refer you to the nearest specialist service, but eligibility depends on meeting NICE criteria: a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.
Waiting times for NHS specialist weight management services in Wales vary significantly by health board and region. Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. Once referred and assessed, if Mounjaro is deemed appropriate, the specialist team will initiate treatment and manage your dose titration over several months, monitoring your response at each stage.
NHS treatment includes clinical support throughout your care, but prescriptions are issued through the NHS at no cost to you (beyond standard prescription charges if applicable in your circumstances).
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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.
Private Mounjaro Prescriptions in Wales
Private prescription costs in the UK typically range from £150 to £320 per month depending on the dose and the prescribing provider. Private prescription routes do not require NHS referral — you can access a UK-licensed prescriber through an online consultation, which usually takes 1–2 weeks from initial appointment to prescription. Private prescriptions are dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies throughout Wales and the rest of the UK.
The private route is faster than NHS access but involves upfront cost. Some people use private prescriptions initially while on NHS waiting lists, or choose private access to avoid lengthy delays. Unlike the NHS route, private prescriptions do not include ongoing clinical monitoring through a weight management team, though the prescribing clinician will typically check in at regular intervals.
- 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 is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections approved in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro resulted in slightly higher average weight loss (~15–21%) compared to Wegovy (~15%), though individual results vary significantly. Both require clinical assessment before prescription.
Am I eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS in Wales?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds, lower BMI thresholds may apply. Your GP can assess your eligibility and refer you to a specialist service.
How long is the NHS waiting list for Mounjaro in Wales?
Waiting times vary by health board area, ranging from 6 to 18+ months in some regions. High demand for specialist weight management services has created significant backlogs across Wales. Contact your local health board or specialist service for the current waiting time in your area.
Can I get Mounjaro privately while waiting for NHS access?
Yes. Many people access private prescriptions whilst on NHS waiting lists. Private prescription costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on dose. Once you start NHS treatment, you would need to manage the transition carefully with both your NHS team and private prescriber to avoid overlap or gaps.
What should I expect during a private Mounjaro consultation?
You'll complete an online health questionnaire and have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (usually via video or phone). They'll assess your eligibility, discuss side effects, and explain the dose titration schedule. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy, which sends the medication to your address. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with different doses.
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.