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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NICE Mounjaro: NHS Access and UK Eligibility Criteria
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for use within NHS specialist weight management services in the UK. However, NHS access to Mounjaro is limited compared to private prescribing and varies significantly by region. This guide explains NICE's recommendation, how NHS eligibility works, where to access Mounjaro through the NHS, and how it compares to private routes. You can use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and see if you might meet initial eligibility thresholds.
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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 Eligibility for Mounjaro and NICE Guidance
NICE approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in 2024 for weight management within NHS tier 3 specialist services. To be eligible for NHS Mounjaro, you must have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds apply — eligibility may begin at BMI 27.5 or above due to higher health risks at lower weights.
NHS access requires referral to tier 3 weight management services through your GP. You cannot request Mounjaro directly from your GP — it must be initiated and monitored by specialist multidisciplinary teams in your region. This contrasts with the mounjaro kwikpen prescription process in private settings, where assessment and prescription can occur more rapidly. NICE guidance also emphasises that Mounjaro should be used alongside structured lifestyle support including dietary advice and physical activity guidance.
Waiting lists for NHS tier 3 services vary significantly — some regions have lists of 6–12 months or longer. Availability also depends on your integrated care board (ICB) funding decisions and local service capacity.
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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.
NHS vs Private Routes: Mounjaro Access in the UK
NHS route: Free at point of use but requires GP referral to tier 3 specialist services, clinical assessment, waiting lists (often months), and specialist monitoring. Available through a limited number of NHS weight management centres. Mounjaro UK prescription through NHS typically involves regular GP or specialist follow-up appointments.
Private route: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. No NHS referral needed. Faster access (often within 1–2 weeks). Costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on your mounjaro dose titration schedule. No waiting lists but costs are out-of-pocket.
Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different Mounjaro doses, which may be useful information to discuss with a healthcare professional when considering your options.
- 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 is NICE's stance on Mounjaro for weight loss in the UK?
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has recommended tirzepatide (Mounjaro) as a treatment option for weight management within NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services. However, NICE guidance limits it to specialist services with structured support, and recommends it only after lifestyle interventions have been tried. Regional availability varies — not all NHS areas have funding or capacity to prescribe it.
Am I eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS?
NHS Mounjaro eligibility requires BMI ≥30 kg/m², or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds apply (BMI ≥27.5). You must also be referred to a tier 3 specialist service by your GP — direct GP prescription is not available on the NHS for Mounjaro.
How does mounjaro vs wegovy access differ on the NHS?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are approved by NICE for NHS tier 3 services, but actual availability depends on your local ICB. Both typically require GP referral and specialist assessment. Neither is routinely available through standard GP prescription. Private access is available for both, though private pathways may differ between providers.
How long is the waiting list for NHS Mounjaro?
Waiting times for NHS tier 3 weight management services vary widely by region — some areas have waits of 6–12 months or longer due to high demand and limited service capacity. It is worth asking your GP about waiting times in your local area when seeking referral. Private routes typically have faster access (1–2 weeks).
Can I get Mounjaro privately if NHS waiting times are too long?
Yes. Private Mounjaro prescriptions are available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists but involves out-of-pocket costs (typically £129–£320 monthly depending on dose). You do not need an NHS referral for private prescribing, though you should still inform your GP if you start any medication.
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.