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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Tirzepatide 5mg — Cost and Access in the UK
Tirzepatide 5mg is the standard escalation dose of Mounjaro, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection approved for weight management in UK adults. If you're considering this medication, understanding both the cost and how to access it is important. In the UK, tirzepatide is available through two routes: the NHS specialist weight management services, or private prescription following an online clinical assessment. This guide covers pricing, eligibility, and what the access process involves.
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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.
Private Access Costs and What to Expect
Private tirzepatide 5mg prescriptions in the UK typically cost between £150–£180 per month, though this varies depending on the provider and whether you're receiving your first dose or continuing treatment. This cost covers the prescription itself; the actual injection pen is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Most private providers charge a consultation fee (usually £20–£50) separate from the medication cost, assessed by a UK-licensed prescriber who will review your medical history, BMI, and weight-related health conditions to determine suitability. The tirzepatide 5mg dose is the first maintenance dose after the initial 2.5mg starter phase—each KwikPen contains 4 weekly injections. Private access is faster than NHS routes: consultations can often be completed within 24–48 hours, and medication dispatched within 2–3 working days. You'll need to provide proof of UK residency and have a UK bank account or payment method. Online assessments are typically conducted by video consultation or questionnaire, making access convenient from home.
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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.
NHS vs Private Routes and How to Access
On the NHS, tirzepatide is available through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services—you cannot obtain it from your standard GP practice. Access requires referral from your GP to your regional integrated care board (ICB) specialist service. Waiting times vary significantly by region; some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. There is no NHS cost for the medication itself once prescribed through the service. For private access, you arrange a consultation directly with an online prescribing service without needing a GP referral. The private route is faster and doesn't depend on NHS capacity, but you pay the full cost. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore projected outcomes at the 5mg dose, helping you weigh whether private access is right for you. Your decision may depend on NHS waiting times in your area, your budget, and how urgently you wish to start treatment.
- 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 a month's supply of tirzepatide 5mg cost privately in the UK?
Private tirzepatide 5mg typically costs £150–£180 per month for the medication itself. A consultation fee (usually £20–£50) is charged separately by the prescriber. Costs may vary between providers. Always check the full price breakdown before committing, including any ongoing monitoring fees.
Can I get tirzepatide 5mg on the NHS?
Yes, but only through specialist weight management services (tier 3/4), not standard GP practice. You need a GP referral to your regional ICB specialist service. NHS medication is free once prescribed, but waiting times vary significantly by region—some areas have 6–12 month waits or longer.
How long does it take to get a private tirzepatide prescription?
Private consultations are often completed within 24–48 hours. Once approved, medication is typically dispatched within 2–3 working days. This is significantly faster than NHS routes in most regions. Speed depends on the specific provider and your location.
What happens during a private online consultation for tirzepatide?
A UK-licensed prescriber will review your medical history, current medications, BMI, weight-related health conditions, and lifestyle via video call or detailed questionnaire. They'll assess suitability and answer questions. If approved, a prescription is issued to a pharmacy for dispensing.
Is tirzepatide 5mg the starting dose?
No. Tirzepatide starts at 2.5mg for the first 4 weeks, then escalates to 5mg. The 5mg dose is the first maintenance dose. Further escalation to 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, or 15mg may occur depending on response and tolerability, with a minimum of 4 weeks at each dose level.
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.