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 — How to Access It in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection licensed for weight management in the UK. Access through the NHS is available but varies significantly by region, with some areas offering it through specialist weight management services whilst others have limited availability. Private prescription options are also available. This guide explains how to access Mounjaro on the NHS, what to expect, and the cost differences between NHS and private routes.
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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.
NHS Access to Mounjaro — How It Works
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist weight management services in 2024. However, NHS access is not straightforward — Mounjaro is typically prescribed only through tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management services, not by standard GP prescription.
To access Mounjaro via the NHS:
- Your GP must refer you to a specialist weight management service (tier 3 or 4)
- You'll be assessed by a multidisciplinary team — doctors, dietitians, and psychologists
- The service must confirm you meet eligibility criteria: BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnoea)
- If approved, the service will prescribe and monitor your treatment
NHS access varies dramatically by region. Some integrated care boards (ICBs) have well-funded services; others have very limited capacity or long waiting lists of 6–18 months.
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.
Private Access — Cost and Online Routes
Private prescription Mounjaro is available immediately through UK-licensed online prescribing services. A registered prescriber will conduct an online consultation, assess your eligibility, and issue a prescription if appropriate. The prescription is then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Private costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on the dose. The KwikPen itself costs approximately £140–£200 per pen (4-week supply), though prices vary by provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are cheaper than maintenance or maximum doses (15 mg). Private access bypasses NHS referral waiting lists but requires payment. Use our free BMI calculator to check your eligibility, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
---COL_J_TOOLS--- BMI calculator, GLP-1 weight loss calculator- 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 free on the NHS?
Yes, if prescribed through an NHS specialist weight management service and you meet eligibility criteria. However, NHS availability is limited and varies by region. Many areas have significant waiting lists or restricted access. Your GP can refer you to check local availability, but private prescription offers faster access.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are cheaper; maximum doses (15 mg) are more expensive. Prices vary between providers. Always confirm costs before starting treatment, as they include both the prescription assessment fee and the medication itself.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access?
NHS access requires GP referral to a specialist service, a full assessment, and potential waiting. It's free if approved but availability is limited by region. Private access is immediate following an online consultation, faster, but you pay £150–£320/month. Both routes require a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber.
How long is the NHS waiting list for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary greatly by region — some areas offer Mounjaro within weeks, others have waiting lists of 12–18+ months. Contact your local integrated care board (ICB) or ask your GP about your region's specialist weight management service capacity. Private prescription avoids NHS waiting lists entirely.
Am I eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea). South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may have lower BMI thresholds. Your GP or specialist service will assess your individual eligibility.
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.