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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How to Access Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weekly weight loss injection now available through NHS specialist services in the UK. Access varies significantly by region, and waiting times can be lengthy. This guide explains NHS funding eligibility, how to request referral from your GP, what to expect, and how private prescription alternatives work if NHS access isn't available in your area. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your eligibility first.
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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 vs Private Access for Mounjaro in the UK
NHS Route: Mounjaro is approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. However, availability depends entirely on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Some areas fund Mounjaro, while others currently do not. Even where it is funded, waiting lists can extend from several months to over a year.
- Request a referral from your GP to your local NHS weight management service
- Your GP practice must refer you — you cannot refer yourself directly
- You will undergo an assessment by the specialist team to confirm eligibility
- If approved, Mounjaro is provided free through the NHS
- Regional variation means some areas have no current access
Private Route: A weekly weight loss injection can be prescribed privately following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists and regional restrictions. Prescriptions are dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. Costs vary by dose and provider.
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.
Private Prescription Cost and Online Access Process
Private Mounjaro prescriptions typically cost between £150–£320 per month depending on your dose level. The initial consultation fee is usually £20–£50. Most private providers operate through online consultations, meaning you can access treatment without attending a clinic in person. You will need to provide your medical history, current medications, and weight/height details. A UK-licensed prescriber will review this and decide if Mounjaro is clinically appropriate for you. If approved, your prescription is sent to a pharmacy and dispatched to your home. This process typically takes 3–7 business days from approval to delivery.
- 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.
Can I get Mounjaro free on the NHS in the UK?
Mounjaro is approved by NICE for NHS use, but availability varies by region. Some ICBs fund it; others do not. Ask your GP whether your area offers NHS Mounjaro through specialist weight management services. If your region does fund it, you'll need a referral and clinical assessment. Waiting lists are often several months long.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private prescriptions typically range from £150–£320 per month, depending on your dose (2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly). Initial consultations usually cost £20–£50. Prices vary between providers, so it's worth comparing. This is in addition to the consultation fee, which is often one-time only.
How do I get a referral to NHS weight management services?
Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to your local NHS tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service. Your GP will assess whether you meet eligibility criteria (typically BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). The GP then sends your referral to the specialist service. You'll then be contacted to arrange an assessment appointment.
What's the difference between NHS and private prescription timelines?
NHS route: referral to assessment can take 3–12 months depending on waiting lists; treatment starts after approval. Private route: online consultation to prescription delivery typically takes 1–2 weeks. Private access is faster but costs money; NHS is free but involves longer waits and regional variation.
What happens if my NHS area doesn't fund Mounjaro?
If your region doesn't currently offer Mounjaro through the NHS, you have two options: request your GP to apply for exceptional funding (rarely approved), or pursue a private prescription through an online prescriber. Many people choose private access to avoid long NHS waiting lists. Use our free weight loss calculator to explore projected outcomes at different doses.
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.