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 Happens Next
If you're considering taking a break from Mounjaro (tirzepatide), it's important to understand what happens to your body and weight when you pause this prescription-only injection. This guide explains the effects of stopping, how to do it safely, and when you should speak to your GP before making any changes to your treatment.
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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.
What Happens When You Stop Mounjaro
When you stop taking Mounjaro, the effects of the medication don't disappear instantly—they gradually reduce over several weeks. Tirzepatide stays in your system for approximately 2–4 weeks, which means appetite regulation and food cravings may take time to return to their pre-treatment level.
Many people notice that their appetite increases again as the medication leaves their system. Without the appetite-suppressing effects of the GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, you may find yourself feeling hungry more quickly and experiencing stronger food cravings. Weight regain is common after stopping, though the amount and speed vary between individuals.
- Appetite typically returns to normal within 4–8 weeks
- Weight regain is not inevitable—it depends on your diet and lifestyle choices
- Some people maintain weight loss through continued healthy eating and exercise
- Others regain weight gradually over months
The rate and amount of weight regain depend on your dietary habits, physical activity level, and overall lifestyle after stopping the injection. Weight loss from Mounjaro is most sustainable when combined with lasting behaviour changes.
Weight 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.
How To Stop Mounjaro Safely
Always speak to your GP or prescriber before stopping Mounjaro—never stop abruptly without medical guidance. Your prescriber can advise on the safest way to discontinue based on your individual health and treatment history.
If you've been taking a maintenance dose (such as 10 mg or 15 mg weekly), you typically just stop—there is no tapering schedule required for Mounjaro. However, your prescriber may want to monitor your progress after stopping, especially if you have type 2 diabetes or other weight-related health conditions.
- Give your GP or online prescriber at least 1–2 weeks' notice before your next scheduled dose
- Discuss your reasons for the break—whether temporary or permanent
- Ask about strategies to maintain weight loss during your break
- Arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress
Consider using our free progress tracker to monitor your weight and how you feel after stopping, and discuss the results with your healthcare team at your next review.
- 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 take a temporary break from Mounjaro and restart later?
Yes, you can pause and restart Mounjaro with your prescriber's support. However, restarting involves beginning at the lowest dose (2.5 mg) and titrating up again, which takes 4–5 months to reach your previous maintenance dose. Discuss timing and practical considerations with your GP before stopping.
Will I gain back all the weight I lost on Mounjaro?
Not necessarily. Weight regain varies significantly between individuals and depends on your diet, exercise habits, and lifestyle after stopping. Some people maintain most of their weight loss through continued healthy choices, whilst others regain gradually. Your prescriber can help create a plan to minimise regain.
What should I do if I want to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy instead?
Do not switch medications without medical guidance. Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only and work differently. Your GP or prescriber can advise whether switching is appropriate for you and how to do so safely, potentially involving a tapering period.
How quickly will my appetite return after stopping Mounjaro?
Most people notice increased appetite within 1–2 weeks as the medication leaves their system. However, the full return to baseline appetite typically takes 4–8 weeks. Tirzepatide remains partially active for several weeks, so appetite changes are usually gradual rather than sudden.
Do I need to restart with the 2.5 mg dose if I take a break from Mounjaro?
Yes, if you restart after a break, you begin again at the 2.5 mg starting dose and follow the standard titration schedule, which takes approximately 4–5 months to reach higher maintenance doses. Discuss the timeline and your previous dose with your prescriber before restarting.
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.