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
Understanding Mounjaro Cost and NHS Access in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) availability and cost in the UK depends on whether you access it through the NHS or via private prescription. The price of Mounjaro has risen in recent years, affecting both NHS budgets and private costs. This guide explains current UK pricing, NHS eligibility through NICE guidance, and what to expect whether you choose NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Understanding your options helps you make an informed decision about weight management 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 Access and NICE Guidance for Mounjaro
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist weight management services. However, NHS access is not the same as GP prescription. Mounjaro is dispensed through tier 3 and tier 4 specialist weight management centres, not standard GP practices. Eligibility requires:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history)
- South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds (27.5+) due to higher health risks
- Referral from your GP to a specialist weight management service
- Assessment and suitability confirmation by the specialist team
NHS availability varies significantly by region (ICB). Many areas have substantial waiting lists due to high demand and limited funding. Some regions may not currently offer Mounjaro on the NHS despite NICE approval. Ask your GP whether your local ICB commissions tirzepatide and what waiting times are involved.
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 and Mounjaro Pricing in the UK
Private prescription routes offer faster access without NHS waiting lists. Mounjaro is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. Private costs typically range from approximately £150–£300+ per month depending on dose strength and provider. A standard 4-week supply (four KwikPens) at higher doses costs more than lower maintenance doses. Prices have increased over recent years due to supply chain costs and currency fluctuations. When comparing private options, check whether the quoted price includes the clinical consultation, prescriber fees, and pharmacy dispensing. Factor in whether you plan to continue long-term, as cumulative costs are significant. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss at different doses to inform your decision.
- 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.
Is Mounjaro available on the NHS now?
Yes, NICE approved tirzepatide for NHS specialist weight management services. However, availability depends on your local ICB (Integrated Care Board) — not all areas currently fund it. Waiting lists can be very long. Ask your GP to check NHS availability in your region and whether you're eligible based on BMI and health conditions.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro?
The medication is identical. The difference is access speed and cost. NHS requires referral to specialist services with potential long waits but no direct cost. Private prescribing via registered pharmacies is faster but costs £150–£300+ monthly. Both require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber and clinical assessment.
Why has Mounjaro price increased?
Prices have risen due to increased global demand, supply chain costs, manufacturing expenses, and currency fluctuations. Tirzepatide is a complex injectable medication, and costs reflect both production and distribution. Prices vary between private providers — shop around for the best value.
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly?
Standard GP practices cannot prescribe Mounjaro on the NHS. It must come through tier 3 specialist weight management services after referral. Privately, any UK-licensed prescriber can issue a prescription if clinically appropriate, and you can then use any GPhC-registered pharmacy.
How do I check my NHS eligibility for Mounjaro?
Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator and discuss with your GP. You need BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with weight-related conditions, or lower thresholds if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage). Your GP can refer you to local specialist services and confirm NICE 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.