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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Tips for Getting Mounjaro in the UK
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only weight management injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. Understanding your access options, costs, and what the prescription process involves will help you make an informed decision. Whether you're exploring NHS routes or considering private access, knowing the real costs and timeline can save time and manage expectations. This guide covers practical tips for accessing Mounjaro in the UK and understanding the financial and clinical aspects of starting 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.
Understanding Mounjaro Costs and Access Routes in the UK
Mounjaro is available through two main routes in the UK: NHS specialist weight management services and private online prescribing. NHS access is typically free at point of use but requires referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service — availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy, sometimes 6–18 months depending on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Private access is available without NHS referral; costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on your dose and the provider, as prices vary between GPhC-registered online pharmacies. The Mounjaro KwikPen contains 4 weeks of doses. Typical private costs: 2.5mg £129–£160/month, 5mg £150–£200/month, 10mg £200–£280/month, 15mg £250–£320/month. Many people use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results before committing to treatment. NHS prescriptions are free if you have a valid prescription exemption; otherwise standard prescription charges apply (£9.90 per item in England as of 2024).
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?
NHS route: Free treatment but longer waiting lists; requires GP referral and meeting specific BMI/health criteria; ongoing monitoring through specialist services; tirzepatide is approved by NICE for use within NHS tier 3/4 weight management services. Private route: Faster access (days to weeks); no NHS waiting list; online clinical assessment required; costs vary; you manage your own prescriptions and pharmacy relationship. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to confirm eligibility — you typically need a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Private providers assess you individually; a UK-licensed prescriber reviews your medical history before issuing a prescription. Neither route is inherently "better" — choice depends on your timeline, budget, NHS availability in your area, and personal preference for support structure.
- 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 £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Starting dose (2.5mg) is around £129–£160/month, increasing to £250–£320/month at maximum dose (15mg). Prices vary between GPhC-registered pharmacies, so comparing providers is worthwhile. Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of doses.
Can I access Mounjaro through the NHS in the UK?
Yes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved by NICE for use within NHS specialist tier 3/4 weight management services. Access requires a GP referral and varies significantly by region — some areas have shorter waiting lists than others. Ask your GP about your local ICB's weight management services.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for UK access?
Both are prescription-only GLP-1/GIP medications. Mounjaro is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Both are available through NHS specialist services and private prescribing. Private costs and availability vary. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable based on your health profile.
What happens during an online consultation for private Mounjaro?
A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your medical history, current medications, weight, height, and health conditions via a secure online form or video call. They assess your eligibility based on BMI and health status. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. The whole process typically takes 24–48 hours.
Do I need a GP's permission to access Mounjaro privately?
No. Private online prescribing does not require NHS referral or GP permission. However, it's good practice to inform your GP you're starting weight management treatment so they can monitor your health and any interactions with existing medications.
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.