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
Mounjaro Research: UK Access, Cost & How to Get Started
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist medication licensed for weight management in UK adults. Understanding how to access it, what it costs, and the clinical assessment process is essential before considering this treatment. This guide covers NHS and private routes, pricing across different doses, and what to expect during the application process. MyWeightCheck also provides a free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to help you estimate potential outcomes alongside other health tools.
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.
How to Access Mounjaro in the UK: NHS vs Private Routes
NHS access to Mounjaro (tirzepatide): NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist weight management services. However, this is not a standard GP prescription. You must be referred to a tier 3 or 4 specialist weight management service by your GP. Availability varies significantly by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board). Many areas have substantial waiting lists — sometimes several months or longer. Your GP will assess whether NHS referral is appropriate based on your BMI and health conditions. Once referred, the specialist team will conduct a full health assessment before prescribing.
Private prescription route: Mounjaro is available through private online prescribing services from GPhC-registered pharmacies. This requires an online clinical consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, your prescription is dispensed directly. Private access does not require NHS referral and is typically faster — often within days. However, you pay the full cost of medication. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current status before starting any consultation.
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.
Mounjaro Pricing in the UK: What Does It Cost?
Private Mounjaro costs vary by dose and pharmacy provider, typically ranging from £129 to £320 per month depending on the strength required. Starter doses (2.5 mg) are generally cheaper; maintenance and higher doses (10–15 mg) cost more. Most private providers charge per dose (weekly injection), so you pay for four weeks' supply per month. Costs may include the consultation fee (usually £40–£80). NHS provision is free at the point of use if prescribed through specialist services, but access is limited by regional availability and waiting lists. Before committing to private treatment, use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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.
How long does the NHS waiting list for Mounjaro typically take?
NHS specialist weight management services vary significantly by region. Some areas offer appointments within weeks; others have waiting lists of 6–18 months or longer. This depends on your local ICB funding and service capacity. Contact your GP to ask about waiting times in your area, or ask about alternative routes if delays are significant.
What happens during a private online consultation for Mounjaro?
You'll complete a health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, weight, and height. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews this and may ask follow-up questions. If suitable, they issue a prescription. The entire process usually takes 24–48 hours. Be honest about all health conditions — some may affect eligibility.
Is Mounjaro cheaper on the NHS than private?
Yes, NHS provision is free. However, NHS access is limited by availability and waiting lists in your area. If your local service has a long wait, private cost (£129–£320/month) may be worth considering for faster access. Calculate potential outcomes using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to weigh cost against benefit.
What clinical assessment is needed before getting Mounjaro prescribed?
Both NHS and private routes require assessment of your weight, BMI, health conditions, medications, and cardiovascular risk. Private prescribers use online questionnaires; NHS specialists conduct face-to-face assessments. Some providers may request recent blood tests (glucose, kidney function). The prescriber must confirm you meet eligibility criteria before issuing a prescription.
Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro on the NHS?
Switching between medications is possible but requires prescriber approval and is typically managed by your specialist service. There is no official NHS conversion protocol — your specialist will assess the best approach based on your current dose and response. Any switch must be managed by a healthcare professional, never attempted independently.
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.