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 vs Wegovy in Scotland — What You Need to Know
If you're exploring weight loss options in Scotland, you may have heard of both Mounjaro and Wegovy. Both are prescription-only GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist injections available through NHS specialist services and private prescribing routes. This guide compares the two medications, explains how they work differently, and helps you understand which might be right for you. Both require a clinical assessment before prescription, and eligibility depends on your BMI and health circumstances. Using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator, you can estimate potential outcomes with each medication.
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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.
How Mounjaro and Wegovy Work — The Key Difference
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It activates two natural hormone pathways simultaneously, which is why some evidence suggests it may produce greater average weight loss than GLP-1-only medications. In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, Mounjaro at 15 mg helped participants lose an average of 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1-only receptor agonist. It works through a single hormone pathway. In the STEP-1 clinical trial, Wegovy at 2.4 mg resulted in an average weight loss of approximately 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks. Both medications slow gastric emptying and help reduce appetite, but Mounjaro's dual mechanism may offer a slightly different effect profile. Individual results vary significantly, and what works best depends on your personal response and health circumstances.
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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.
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Accessing Mounjaro and Wegovy in Scotland — NHS vs Private
NHS Route: Both medications are available through NHS Scotland specialist weight management services (tier 3/4). You'll typically need a GP referral to a specialist clinic. Availability varies by health board, and waiting times can be substantial — often months to years depending on your area. Once assessed by a specialist, either medication may be prescribed if you meet NICE eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27.5 with weight-related health conditions). Ask your GP about referral to your local weight management service.
Private Route: Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are available privately through UK-registered online prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies. Private prescriptions can be issued following a clinical assessment, without NHS referral. Costs vary but typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Neither option assures weight loss — both work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- 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.
What's the main difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist (activates two hormone pathways), while Wegovy is a GLP-1-only agonist. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss, but individual results vary significantly. Both require prescription and clinical assessment before use.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS in Scotland?
Yes, Mounjaro is available through NHS Scotland specialist weight management services. You'll need a GP referral to a specialist clinic. Eligibility requires BMI ≥30 or ≥27.5 with weight-related health conditions. Waiting times vary by health board — contact your GP practice for details about your local service.
How much weight might I lose with each medication?
Clinical trials showed Mounjaro at 15 mg produced average weight loss of 20.9% of body weight, while Wegovy at 2.4 mg produced about 14.9%. These are averages — individual outcomes vary considerably. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results based on your starting weight and dose.
Which medication should I choose — Mounjaro or Wegovy?
This is a decision for your prescriber based on your personal health, medical history, and individual response to medications. Both require clinical assessment. Factors include your BMI, health conditions, medication interactions, and previous experiences with GLP-1 medications. Your GP or specialist will advise which is most suitable for you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for either medication in Scotland?
You're potentially eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27.5+ with weight-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea). Ask your GP about referral to your local NHS Scotland weight management service. Private prescribers will also assess your eligibility during a clinical consultation.
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