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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Do You Qualify For Mounjaro on the NHS?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight management injection available through NHS specialist services in the UK, but eligibility depends on your BMI and health circumstances. Not everyone qualifies — the NHS has specific criteria based on NICE guidance. Understanding whether you meet these thresholds can help you decide whether to ask your GP about referral to specialist weight management services. This guide explains the exact UK qualification criteria, how the NHS assesses eligibility, and what happens next if you do qualify.
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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 Criteria for Mounjaro
You may qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS if you meet any of these criteria:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity)
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² (overweight) AND at least one weight-related health condition
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the thresholds are lower:
- BMI of 27.5 kg/m² or above
Weight-related health conditions that may qualify include: type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, obstructive sleep apnoea, or history of heart attack or stroke.
You must also be willing to make lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity) alongside medication. Mounjaro is never prescribed alone — it's always part of a broader weight management plan. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to see where you stand, then discuss with your GP about specialist referral options in your area.
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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 Access vs Private Route for Mounjaro
Access to Mounjaro in the UK differs significantly between NHS and private routes. Through the NHS: you must be referred to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management service by your GP. These services are commissioned by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), so availability varies by region. Some areas have substantial waiting lists of months or years. The NHS assesses your suitability comprehensively before prescribing.
Through private prescribing: you can access Mounjaro via an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber without NHS referral. This is faster but requires payment. Either route requires a legitimate prescription — Mounjaro is never sold without clinical assessment. Whichever path you choose, your GP should be informed of any weight loss treatment you start.
Access to Mounjaro in the UK differs significantly between NHS and private routes. Through the NHS: you must be referred to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management service by your GP. These services are commissioned by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), so availability varies by region. Some areas have substantial waiting lists of months or years. The NHS assesses your suitability comprehensively before prescribing.
Through private prescribing: you can access Mounjaro via an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber without NHS referral. This is faster but requires payment. Either route requires a legitimate prescription — Mounjaro is never sold without clinical assessment. Whichever path you choose, your GP should be informed of any weight loss treatment you start.
- 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 difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy eligibility in the UK?
Both have the same BMI thresholds and health condition criteria under NICE guidance. The key difference is the mechanism — Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. A prescriber will assess which is most appropriate for your individual circumstances.
My BMI is 27.5 — do I automatically qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS?
Not automatically. If your BMI is 27–29.9, you must also have at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea) to qualify. If you're of South Asian or other eligible heritage, a BMI of 27.5+ alone may qualify. Discuss with your GP.
How long does it usually take to get Mounjaro through the NHS?
This varies significantly by region. Some specialist weight management services have waiting lists of 6–18 months or longer, whilst others may be faster. Contact your local integrated care board (ICB) or ask your GP about typical waiting times in your area.
Can I ask my GP for Mounjaro directly, or do I need a referral?
Mounjaro is typically initiated through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP practice. Your GP can refer you if you meet criteria, but they do not usually prescribe it. Ask your GP about access to specialist services in your area.
If I don't qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS, what are my options?
You may be eligible for other NHS-supported weight management interventions (tier 2 services, structured programmes). Private prescribing is also available if you choose to pay. Your GP can discuss all available options with you based on your individual circumstances and health needs.
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.