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 in NHS Scotland
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in Scotland through both NHS and private routes, but access differs significantly between them. NHS Scotland is gradually rolling out tirzepatide through specialist weight management services, though availability and waiting times vary considerably by health board. This guide explains NHS eligibility, how to access Mounjaro through private online prescription services, and what you can expect at different doses. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss outcomes with Mounjaro before starting treatment.
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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.
Private Mounjaro Access in Scotland — Cost and Process
In Scotland, private access to Mounjaro is available through online consultation with UK-licensed prescribers at GPhC-registered pharmacies, without requiring an NHS referral. Costs vary by dose but typically range from £130–£300 per month depending on your starting dose and the provider you choose. The Mounjaro KwikPen contains four weeks of injections — each pen is one dose level. Private prescribing requires an online clinical assessment with a qualified healthcare professional who will review your medical history, BMI, weight-related health conditions, and medications before issuing a prescription.
- Starting dose (2.5 mg): lowest monthly cost, typically £130–£160
- Maintenance doses (5–15 mg): £180–£300 per month depending on escalation
- Price includes the prescription and pharmacy dispensing fee
- No waiting lists — treatment can start within days of assessment
- You manage your own dose escalation schedule following clinical guidance
Private prescribing is typically faster than NHS access, making it a common choice for those in areas with limited NHS availability.
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.
NHS Scotland Access to Mounjaro — Eligibility and Waiting Times
NHS Scotland has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for use within specialist tier 3 weight management services following NICE guidance. You must be referred by your GP to an NHS specialist weight management service in your health board area. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
- Access only available through referral from your GP or healthcare provider
- Waiting times vary by health board — can range from several months to over a year in some areas
- Treatment is free on the NHS once approved by the specialist service
- Dose escalation is managed by the specialist clinic with regular monitoring
- You cannot switch between NHS and private provision mid-treatment without GP discussion
Check your health board's weight management service availability before requesting a GP referral.
- 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.
Is Mounjaro available on NHS Scotland right now?
Yes, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is approved by NHS Scotland through specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, availability varies significantly by health board. Some areas have established services; others have waiting lists of 6–18 months. Contact your GP to check what's available in your local area.
How much does Mounjaro cost on the NHS in Scotland?
Mounjaro is free on the NHS once you're approved by a specialist weight management service. You pay nothing for the prescription or the KwikPen. However, you may wait considerable time for NHS access depending on your health board's availability.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro in Scotland?
NHS is free but involves GP referral, specialist assessment, and waiting times. Private prescription typically costs £130–£300/month but is faster — assessment and prescription can happen within days. Both require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber.
Can I switch from private Mounjaro to NHS treatment?
Potentially, but it requires discussion with your GP first. Switching mid-treatment can be complicated. If considering NHS access, discuss this with your private prescriber and GP before stopping private treatment.
What qualifies me for Mounjaro on NHS Scotland?
You need a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea). Your GP and the specialist service will assess whether Mounjaro is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
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.