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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Staying On 5mg Mounjaro: UK Cost & Access Guide
Many UK adults remain on the 5mg Mounjaro dose long-term rather than escalating further, as this dose often provides effective weight management results. Understanding the cost of staying on 5mg—whether through NHS or private prescription—is essential for planning treatment. This guide covers how much Mounjaro costs in the UK, what to expect when accessing it privately, and how the NHS route differs. We'll explain the financial reality of continuing tirzepatide treatment at a stable dose, so you can make informed decisions about your weight management journey.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
UK Private Prescription Costs for 5mg Mounjaro
Private prescription costs for Mounjaro 5mg vary significantly depending on the provider and whether you're starting or continuing treatment. At the 5mg dose, you'll need one KwikPen every four weeks. Most private UK prescribers charge between £129 and £180 per month for the 5mg dose, though prices vary by clinic and location.
The cost typically includes:
- Online clinical assessment and initial consultation (sometimes included in first month)
- The prescription itself (issued by a UK-licensed prescriber)
- Dispensing fees from a GPhC-registered pharmacy
- Delivery to your home
Some providers offer subscription discounts if you commit to multiple months upfront. Annual costs for staying on 5mg range from approximately £1,500 to £2,160 depending on provider and any available discounts. Always check whether your chosen provider includes repeat assessments in their pricing, as some require check-in consultations every 6–12 months.
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 Access vs Private Route: Which Option Suits You?
NHS access to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available but limited to specialist tier 3 weight management services. Your GP can refer you, but waiting times vary dramatically by region—some areas have waits of 18+ months, whilst others may have shorter queues. NHS prescription costs are significantly lower (you pay standard prescription charges, currently £9.90 per item in England if eligible), but access is restricted to those meeting NICE criteria and your local ICB commissioning decisions.
Private prescription is faster—you can access an online assessment within days and receive your first dose within 1–2 weeks—but you'll pay full private costs. There's no waiting list with private prescribing, and you avoid NHS referral gatekeeping. Many UK adults choose private access because NHS waiting lists are prohibitively long. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to project your costs across different dose levels and timeframes, helping you budget effectively.
- 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.
Can I stay on 5mg Mounjaro indefinitely, or do I need to keep increasing?
You can remain on 5mg long-term if it's delivering the results you want and you're tolerating it well. There's no requirement to escalate. Your prescriber will review this with you at regular intervals, typically every 6–12 months. Dose escalation is entirely individual—some people find their target weight at 5mg and maintain stable dosing for years.
Is Mounjaro 5mg cheaper if I stay on one dose vs escalating?
Yes. Each dose increase means purchasing a higher-strength pen, and costs per month increase as you go up. Staying at 5mg means your monthly cost remains consistent—around £129–£180 privately—without the expense of higher-dose pens at £150–£220+ per month.
Will the NHS prescribe Mounjaro just for staying on 5mg, or do they expect you to titrate up?
NHS prescribers work within NICE guidelines, which don't mandate dose escalation. If 5mg is managing your weight effectively and you're meeting your health goals, NHS specialists should support continued 5mg dosing. However, individual NHS trusts have varying policies, so this varies by region.
How often do I need clinical check-ins to stay on 5mg Mounjaro?
Privately, most providers require initial assessment before first prescription, then annual or bi-annual check-ins (typically £50–£100). The NHS typically reviews you every 6–12 months through your specialist service. More frequent monitoring may be needed if you have other health conditions.
Can I switch between NHS and private prescriptions for Mounjaro while staying on 5mg?
Switching is possible but requires coordination—you can't be prescribed by both simultaneously. If you obtain private prescription, inform your GP and pause any NHS referral. If NHS prescription becomes available, inform your private provider. Always involve your healthcare professionals to ensure safe continuity.
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.