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 Price Increases and UK Access Inequality
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) costs have risen significantly in the UK private market since its approval, creating a widening gap between NHS and private prescription access. This price increase raises important questions about equity: who can afford weight management treatment, and how does cost affect access across different income groups? Understanding the current pricing landscape and available routes to prescription can help you explore what's realistic for your situation.
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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.
UK Mounjaro Pricing and Private Prescription Costs
Mounjaro pricing in the UK private market typically ranges from approximately £150 to £320 per month depending on the dose and provider, with prices increasing as you move through the dose titration schedule from the starting 2.5 mg to the maximum 15 mg dose. The cost-per-dose increases at higher strengths, meaning patients reaching maintenance doses pay more monthly than those on initial doses.
- Starting doses (2.5 mg–5 mg): typically £150–£180 per month
- Mid-range doses (7.5 mg–10 mg): typically £200–£250 per month
- Maintenance doses (12.5 mg–15 mg): typically £280–£320 per month
These prices reflect the private prescription route through UK-registered online prescribing services. Unlike medications with established generic competitors, tirzepatide remains under patent, and supply constraints in some periods have contributed to upward pressure on pricing. Patients requiring ongoing treatment face cumulative costs of £1,800–£3,840 per year depending on their maintenance dose, which presents a significant financial barrier for many working adults.
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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
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NHS vs Private Access: The Equity Question
The stark contrast between NHS and private access creates a two-tier system: NHS patients access Mounjaro at no cost beyond standard prescription charges (£11.65 per item in 2024, or free if eligible), while private patients pay the full market price. However, NHS access through specialist weight management services involves waiting lists that can stretch months or years in many regions, and availability varies significantly across integrated care boards.
This inequality means access increasingly depends on income: those who can afford private prescription costs gain faster access, while those dependent on NHS services face delays or may receive alternative treatments. Online clinical assessments through private routes have made prescription more accessible than ever before, but only to those who can pay. Using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore whether Mounjaro fits your budget and timeline before pursuing a prescription.
- 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.
Why has Mounjaro become more expensive in the UK?
Mounjaro remains under patent protection, and there are no generic alternatives. Supply constraints during high demand periods, manufacturing costs, and market positioning by Eli Lilly have contributed to price increases since launch. Unlike established medications, there's limited pricing pressure from competitors.
Can I get Mounjaro free on the NHS?
Yes, if prescribed through an NHS specialist weight management service, you'll only pay standard prescription charges (or nothing if eligible for free prescriptions). However, NHS access involves referral, assessment, and waiting lists that vary significantly by region. Availability depends on your integrated care board.
How much does a private Mounjaro prescription cost?
Private prescriptions through UK-registered online services typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on your dose. Annual costs range from approximately £1,800–£3,840. Prices reflect the full market cost as the medication is not subsidised through private routes.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Mounjaro?
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are alternative GLP-1 medications also available privately in the UK, sometimes at similar or slightly different price points. Discuss with a prescriber which option best suits your clinical needs and budget, as they work slightly differently.
What does "dose titration" mean for Mounjaro costs?
Dose titration is the gradual increase from 2.5 mg to your maintenance dose over several months. Lower starting doses cost less per month, but you'll pay more as you titrate upwards. Plan for cumulative costs if committing to a full titration schedule.
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.