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 Increase on NHS — What You Need to Know
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been approved by NICE for NHS use in specialist weight management services, but access and cost vary significantly across the UK. This guide explains the current pricing landscape, how the NHS covers Mounjaro, and what you can expect if you choose private prescription access instead. Whether you're considering NHS referral or private treatment, understanding the cost and availability in your area is essential.
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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 Mounjaro Access and Pricing
NHS Mounjaro is available through tier 3 and tier 4 specialist weight management services, not standard GP prescription. NICE approved tirzepatide for NHS use in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. However, NHS access depends entirely on your regional Integrated Care Board (ICB) — some areas fund Mounjaro routinely, whilst others have restricted access or very long waiting lists.
Cost to NHS varies by region. The NHS pays wholesale prices negotiated nationally, but your out-of-pocket cost is £11.90 per prescription (standard prescription charge in England) if you're eligible to pay prescriptions. If you're exempt from prescription charges (under 18, over 60, pregnant, on low income, or certain health conditions), Mounjaro is free on the NHS when prescribed.
- England: Standard prescription charge applies
- Scotland: Prescriptions free regardless of age or income
- Wales: Prescriptions free on NHS
- Northern Ireland: Standard prescription charge applies
Weight 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 Prescription Costs and Access Routes
Private tirzepatide prescriptions are available through GPhC-registered online services following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private costs range from approximately £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. A 2.5 mg starting dose typically costs less than a 15 mg maintenance dose. Many people choose private prescription when NHS waiting times are long or access is unavailable in their area.
Private costs include the prescription fee plus pharmacy dispensing. Unlike the NHS, private treatment is not means-tested — you pay the full cost regardless of income. Some GLP-1 medications like Wegovy operate on similar private pricing models. Always verify what's included in the quoted price (consultation, prescription, dispensing) before committing.
- 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.
Has Mounjaro price increased on the NHS?
NHS prices for Mounjaro vary by region and may change as ICBs negotiate supply contracts. There is no single national NHS price increase — your cost remains the standard prescription charge (£11.90 in England) or free depending on your exemption status. Private prices have remained relatively stable, ranging £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
Why is private Mounjaro more expensive than NHS?
Private prescriptions include practitioner fees, clinical assessment, and pharmacy margins — costs the NHS negotiates nationally as a bulk purchaser. Private providers also manage individual consultations, dose adjustments, and ongoing support, whereas NHS services operate through specialist centres with higher patient volumes.
Can I access Mounjaro on NHS if I have a BMI of 27?
Yes, if your BMI is 27–29.9 and you have a weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history). You'll need referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds, lower BMI thresholds apply.
How long do NHS Mounjaro waiting lists take?
Waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas offer Mounjaro within weeks, whilst others have waiting lists of 6–18 months. Contact your local ICB or ask your GP about expected wait times in your area. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes whilst you wait.
What's included in private Mounjaro costs?
Private costs typically include the online consultation with a UK prescriber, the prescription itself, and pharmacy dispensing. Some providers include follow-up consultations for dose adjustments; others charge separately. Always ask before purchasing — clarify whether your quoted price covers future dose increases or just the initial supply.
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.