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 UK Cost Comparison: NHS vs Private Routes
If you're considering Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management in the UK, understanding the cost difference between NHS and private routes is essential. Mounjaro is a prescription-only weight loss injection, and how you access it significantly affects what you'll pay. This guide explains NHS eligibility, private prescription costs, and factors that influence pricing so you can make an informed decision about which route suits your circumstances.
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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 Cost for Mounjaro in the UK
NHS access to Mounjaro is free at point of use, but availability is limited and varies significantly by region. Mounjaro is prescribed through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not by standard GPs. You'll typically need referral from your GP to access these services, and waiting lists can be substantial — in some areas, waits exceed 12–18 months. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for use within NHS weight management pathways for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Each NHS ICB (Integrated Care Board) sets its own commissioning criteria, so eligibility can vary by location. Once prescribed through the NHS, the Mounjaro KwikPen is dispensed free, but you cover the NHS cost through taxation, not direct payment.
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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
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Private Mounjaro Prescription Costs in the UK
Private prescription routes offer faster access but require direct payment. Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £140 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are at the lower end; maximum doses (15 mg) approach the upper range. This cost covers the clinical consultation, prescription, and the medication itself, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Some private prescribers offer package pricing for multiple months upfront. Unlike the NHS route, private access doesn't require a GP referral — you book a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber online, undergo a brief health assessment, and receive a prescription if clinically appropriate. This route is faster, typically taking days to a week from consultation to receiving your first pen.
- 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.
Does the NHS prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss?
Yes, NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services for eligible adults. However, availability is limited and varies by region. Access requires GP referral and assessment by a specialist team. Waiting lists are often very long — expect 6–18 months in many areas.
What's the private cost of Mounjaro per month in the UK?
Private Mounjaro prescriptions cost between £140 and £320 per month depending on dose and provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are typically £140–£160; maximum doses (15 mg) range from £280–£320. Costs cover consultation, prescription, and medication from a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Why is private Mounjaro more expensive than NHS?
NHS Mounjaro is free because it's funded through taxation. Private costs include the prescriber's clinical assessment fee, pharmacy dispensing costs, and the wholesale medication cost. Private providers also operate faster turnaround times, which adds to operational costs.
Can I use my BMI calculator to check if I'm eligible for Mounjaro?
Our free BMI calculator helps you understand your BMI category, which is one eligibility criterion. However, NHS and private prescribers assess multiple factors — including weight-related health conditions, previous weight loss attempts, and individual health circumstances — beyond BMI alone.
How does Mounjaro cost compare to Wegovy in the UK?
Private Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) have similar pricing ranges (£140–£320/month), though specific costs vary by provider and dose. Clinical trial data shows Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (~21% vs ~15%), but individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will recommend based on your health profile.
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.