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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Second Week On Mounjaro — Cost & Access In The UK
If you're on your second week of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), you're likely on the 2.5 mg starting dose as part of the standard four-week dose titration schedule. Whether you accessed your Mounjaro through the NHS or private prescription, understanding the cost context and access routes in the UK helps you manage your weight management journey effectively. This guide covers what you need to know about Mounjaro pricing, eligibility criteria, and how to access this prescription-only medication in the UK.
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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.
Cost & Access Routes For Mounjaro In The UK
NHS access: Mounjaro is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4), but access is limited and varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can extend from several months to over a year in many areas. Your GP can refer you to specialist services if you meet eligibility criteria — typically a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Once approved, NHS-prescribed Mounjaro costs nothing at the point of dispensing (though you pay the standard prescription charge in England, currently £9.90 per item).
Private prescription route: Private online prescribing offers faster access without NHS referral. A UK-licensed prescriber assesses you via online consultation, and if clinically appropriate, issues a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on dose — the 2.5 mg starting dose is usually at the lower end of this range. Each KwikPen (containing four weekly doses) costs approximately £130–£160 privately, though prices vary by provider. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists entirely.
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 vs Private: Which Route Is Right For You?
The NHS route is free long-term but involves waiting lists and regional variation in availability. Some ICBs (integrated care boards) offer Mounjaro readily; others have very limited access. The private route offers immediate access and flexibility but requires upfront payment. Many people choose private prescription during the adjustment phase (weeks 1–16) when doses change weekly, then explore NHS options later. An online consultation with a UK prescriber typically costs £20–£40 and takes 24–48 hours. You'll be asked about your medical history, BMI, weight-related conditions, and current medications. If approved, your prescription is sent directly to a pharmacy, and your first KwikPen arrives within 1–3 working days. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential outcomes at different doses during your titration schedule.
- 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.
How much does Mounjaro cost on the NHS in the UK?
Mounjaro is free through NHS specialist services, though in England you pay the standard prescription charge (£9.90 per prescription item) unless you're exempt. Availability varies by region — some areas have limited access due to cost pressures. Your GP can check availability through your local integrated care board (ICB).
What's the typical cost of private Mounjaro in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose. At the 2.5 mg starting dose, expect approximately £130–£160 per KwikPen (four weekly injections). Prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies, so comparing providers is worthwhile.
Can I get Mounjaro privately without NHS referral?
Yes. Private online prescribing services allow you to be assessed by a UK-licensed prescriber via online consultation (typically £20–£40) without NHS referral. If approved, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy within 1–3 working days.
What happens if I switch from private to NHS Mounjaro?
Switching from private to NHS is possible but requires referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service and NHS approval. You'll need to demonstrate clinical need and meet your ICB's criteria. There may be a gap between stopping private supply and NHS provision starting.
Is Mounjaro cost covered by private health insurance in the UK?
Most standard private health insurance policies do not cover weight management medications like Mounjaro, as they're considered lifestyle treatments rather than emergency or acute care. Check your specific policy documentation or contact your insurer directly.
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.