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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Taking A Break From Mounjaro — What You Need to Know
If you're considering pausing or stopping Mounjaro (tirzepatide), understanding your options and what to expect is important for your health and finances. Whether you're taking a break due to cost, side effects, or personal reasons, this guide explains how to access Mounjaro in the UK, what it costs, and what happens when you pause treatment. Always discuss any changes to your medication with your prescriber first — stopping suddenly without guidance can affect your weight management progress and may cause rebound weight gain.
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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.
Mounjaro Cost and Access in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescription-only in the UK and access varies significantly depending on your route:
- NHS route: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services following GP referral. Free on prescription for eligible patients. However, NHS availability is limited by region and waiting times can be 6–18 months in many areas.
- Private route: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. Typically costs £120–£300 per month depending on your dose. A 15mg KwikPen (4 weeks) usually costs £250–£320 privately. Lower doses (2.5mg–5mg) are often cheaper at £120–£180.
Your prescriber will determine which mounjaro dose is appropriate for you, starting at 2.5mg and increasing weekly if tolerated, up to a maximum of 15mg once weekly. Each dose increase may affect cost if you're paying privately.
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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.
Pausing Treatment and What Happens Next
If you're pausing Mounjaro, it's crucial to discuss this with your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly can lead to rebound weight gain — often more rapid than the weight loss you achieved. Some people experience increased appetite and cravings within weeks of stopping.
When considering a break, discuss with your prescriber:
- Whether a temporary pause is appropriate for your health
- If a lower dose might be more affordable or manageable
- Alternative options like Wegovy or other weight management support
- How to restart safely if you decide to resume
Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor any weight changes after stopping. If you're concerned about cost, your prescriber may explore NHS options or discuss whether switching medications (like comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy) could help — both are GLP-1-type medications with different pricing structures.
- 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 privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £120–£320 per month depending on your dose. Lower starting doses (2.5mg–5mg) cost around £120–£180, while higher maintenance doses (10mg–15mg) cost £250–£320. Prices vary between GPhC-registered providers. Always check the total cost for a full course before starting.
Can I get Mounjaro free on the NHS?
Yes, if you're eligible and have been approved by an NHS specialist tier 3 weight management service. However, NHS availability is very limited and varies significantly by region. Many areas have long waiting lists — often 6–18 months. Your GP can refer you, but eligibility depends on BMI, health conditions, and local ICB commissioning decisions.
What happens if I stop taking Mounjaro?
Stopping Mounjaro can lead to rebound weight gain, often within weeks. Appetite and food cravings typically increase after stopping. Weight regain may be faster than your initial loss. Always discuss stopping with your prescriber first — they may recommend tapering down gradually or exploring alternative options like Wegovy or NHS-supported weight management services.
Is Wegovy cheaper than Mounjaro in the UK?
Pricing is similar — both typically cost £120–£300 per month privately depending on dose. Wegovy's maximum dose (2.4mg) may be cheaper than Mounjaro's higher doses (15mg), but individual provider pricing varies. Compare quotes from multiple GPhC-registered providers. Clinical trial data showed Mounjaro may offer slightly greater average weight loss, but individual results vary significantly.
What should I do before taking a break from Mounjaro?
Always speak to your prescriber before pausing or stopping. Discuss your reasons — whether cost, side effects, or personal choice — and explore alternatives together. Your prescriber may suggest a lower dose, a temporary pause, or switching to another medication. Never stop suddenly without guidance, as this increases rebound weight gain risk. Use our BMI calculator to track your baseline before any changes.
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.