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 Treatment Plan on the NHS in the UK
A Mounjaro treatment plan on the NHS involves a structured approach to prescribing tirzepatide through specialist weight management services. In the UK, Mounjaro is accessed via tier 3 (specialist) services rather than standard GP prescriptions. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how treatment is managed, dose progression, and what happens during your treatment journey. Unlike private access, NHS treatment involves referral through your GP and assessment by a multidisciplinary team.
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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 Eligibility and Tier 3 Services
To access Mounjaro through the NHS in the UK, you must be referred to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. These are specialist multidisciplinary teams based in NHS hospitals and weight management centres. Eligibility criteria include:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² (overweight) with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
- For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply (from 27.5 kg/m²)
Your GP will assess whether you meet criteria and can refer you to your local tier 3 service. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved tirzepatide for NHS use in eligible patients. Important: NHS availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
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.
Mounjaro Dose Titration and Treatment Duration
NHS treatment follows a structured dose titration schedule. You start at 2.5 mg once weekly, increasing every 4 weeks to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and finally 15 mg (the maximum dose). Your specialist team will assess your response and tolerability at each stage. Treatment is typically prescribed for 12 months initially. If you achieve meaningful weight loss and improved health markers, treatment may be continued. If you stop Mounjaro, weight may be regained—continuation is a personal and clinical decision made with your specialist team. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses alongside your NHS assessment.
The NHS approach to Mounjaro emphasises lifestyle change alongside medication. Your tier 3 team will provide dietary support, physical activity guidance, and behavioural intervention. Clinical trials (SURMOUNT) showed Mounjaro resulted in average weight loss of 15–21% body weight when combined with these changes. However, individual results vary significantly. You'll have regular appointments to monitor weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and side effects. The NHS also tracks safety outcomes given Mounjaro's Black Triangle (▼) status, requiring additional pharmacovigilance.
- 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 it take to get Mounjaro on the NHS?
NHS waiting times for tier 3 weight management services vary by region. Some areas have 6–12 month waits; others longer. Your GP referral triggers the process. Contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to check local waiting lists. Private prescribing offers faster access but at personal cost.
What is the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro treatment?
NHS treatment is through tier 3 specialist services with multidisciplinary support, longer assessment, and structured follow-up. Private access is through online prescribers following clinical assessment, faster initiation, and direct to a pharmacy. NHS is free at point of use; private costs £180–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Can my GP prescribe Mounjaro directly on the NHS?
No. Mounjaro is not typically available through standard GP prescribing in the UK. It must be initiated and managed by tier 3 specialist weight management services. Your GP can refer you to these services, but they do not prescribe Mounjaro in primary care.
What happens if I don't lose weight on Mounjaro through the NHS?
Your specialist team will review after 12–16 weeks. If weight loss is insufficient or side effects are problematic, your dose may be adjusted, or alternative treatments considered. Alternatively, they may recommend intensifying lifestyle support or discussing bariatric surgery as tier 4 option.
Is Mounjaro available on all NHS trusts?
No. Availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioning. Some regions prioritise Mounjaro; others may recommend alternatives like Wegovy or liraglutide. Check your local NHS weight management service to see what medications they offer.
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.