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: UK Pricing and Availability Explained
Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only weight management injections licensed in the UK, but they differ significantly in cost depending on whether you access them through the NHS or privately. Mounjaro and Wegovy prices vary by dose, provider, and prescribing route. Understanding the price difference helps you make an informed choice about which medication might suit your circumstances and budget.
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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.
NHS vs Private Access: Cost and Eligibility Context
NHS access to Mounjaro and Wegovy is currently limited. NICE has approved both medications for NHS use, but access is restricted to specialist tier 3 weight management services following referral from your GP. NHS specialist services are significantly oversubscribed across the UK, with waiting lists often extending months to years depending on your region. When prescribed through the NHS, the cost to you is zero (covered by your prescription charge, typically £9.90 if eligible). However, availability and wait times vary dramatically by integrated care board (ICB).
Private prescribing is the more accessible route for most UK adults. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose (2.5 mg starting doses are cheaper than 15 mg maintenance doses). Wegovy private pricing generally ranges from £150–£300 per month, also dose-dependent. Prices vary between providers, so comparing costs across multiple pharmacies is worthwhile.
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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.
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Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Dose Differences and Cost Implications
Mounjaro and Wegovy have different starting doses and maximum doses, which affects overall cost. Mounjaro dose titration begins at 2.5 mg weekly and escalates gradually to a maximum of 15 mg weekly over 20+ weeks. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and reaches a maximum of 2.4 mg weekly over approximately 16 weeks. Because Mounjaro pens contain higher doses overall, some providers charge slightly more per KwikPen than Wegovy pens per auto-injector. However, individual results vary, and many patients stabilise at lower maintenance doses of either medication, which reduces long-term costs. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate which dose range might be appropriate for your circumstances, and discuss cost with your prescriber before starting treatment.
- 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 or Wegovy cheaper on the NHS?
Both are available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services at zero cost to you (beyond standard prescription charges if applicable). However, NHS access is severely limited with long waiting lists. Most UK adults access these medications privately instead, where pricing varies by provider and dose.
What's the average cost of Mounjaro vs Wegovy privately in the UK?
Mounjaro private costs range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose. Wegovy typically costs £150–£300 monthly. Prices vary between providers, so comparing quotes is recommended. Starting doses are generally cheaper than maximum maintenance doses for both medications.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy free on the NHS?
Yes, if referred to and approved by an NHS tier 3 specialist weight management service. However, waiting lists are long in most regions (often 6–18+ months). Private access is faster but requires payment. Ask your GP about NHS referral options in your area.
Why is Mounjaro sometimes more expensive than Wegovy?
Mounjaro uses higher dose strengths (2.5–15 mg) compared to Wegovy (0.25–2.4 mg). The larger molecular size and dual mechanism (GIP + GLP-1 agonist) may also influence pricing. However, prices vary by pharmacy, and individual quotes should be compared directly.
Which is more cost-effective long-term: Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Cost-effectiveness depends on your maintenance dose, response, and treatment duration. Many patients stabilise at lower doses (Mounjaro 10 mg or Wegovy 1.7 mg), reducing long-term monthly costs. Work with your prescriber to find the lowest effective dose. Use our BMI calculator to track progress and discuss cost-benefit with your GP.
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.