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
What Is a Tirzepatide Maintenance Dose After Weight Loss?
Once you've reached your target weight on Mounjaro (tirzepatide), your prescriber may adjust your dose to a maintenance level rather than stopping treatment entirely. A maintenance dose is typically the lowest effective dose that helps prevent weight regain while minimising side effects. This is different from the escalation doses used during initial weight loss, and it's an important part of long-term weight management. Your GP or prescriber will personalise this based on your individual response and health goals.
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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.
How Tirzepatide Maintenance Works Long-Term
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — meaning it works on two appetite and metabolic pathways rather than one. Once you've achieved significant weight loss, continuing a maintenance dose helps sustain those results by:
- Continuing to regulate appetite and satiety signals
- Supporting metabolic changes that occurred during weight loss
- Preventing or slowing weight regain if you stop treatment
- Maintaining improvements in blood sugar control and cardiovascular markers
Maintenance dosing is not the same as the escalation doses (2.5 mg through to 15 mg) used to reach your goal weight. Most people maintain on a dose somewhere between 5 mg and 10 mg weekly, though individual needs vary. Your prescriber will assess your response and adjust accordingly.
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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.
Weight Regain After Stopping Tirzepatide — What the Evidence Shows
Clinical trial data and real-world experience show that weight regain is common if tirzepatide is stopped after weight loss. Most people regain a substantial portion of lost weight within 12 months of stopping treatment. This doesn't mean treatment has "failed" — it reflects the chronic nature of weight management. Maintenance dosing is designed to prevent this by continuing the medication at the lowest effective level. Your GP can discuss whether long-term treatment is appropriate for your situation and health goals, particularly if you have weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
- 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.
What is the typical maintenance dose for tirzepatide?
There is no single "standard" maintenance dose — it's individualised. Most people maintain on doses ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg weekly, though some require 12.5 mg or 15 mg. Your prescriber will identify the lowest dose that prevents weight regain while keeping side effects manageable. This is determined through your personal response during the weight loss phase.
Can I stop tirzepatide once I've lost the weight I want?
Stopping tirzepatide usually results in weight regain — clinical evidence shows most people regain significant weight within 12 months. Maintenance dosing is designed to prevent this. However, stopping is a personal decision made with your GP. Your prescriber can discuss the risks and benefits of continued treatment versus discontinuation based on your health.
How long do I need to stay on a maintenance dose?
This depends on your individual circumstances. Weight management is often a long-term process, and many people continue maintenance treatment indefinitely to sustain weight loss and health benefits. Your GP will review regularly and discuss whether ongoing treatment remains appropriate for you, particularly if your health goals or circumstances change.
Will side effects improve on a lower maintenance dose?
Yes, many people experience fewer side effects on a lower maintenance dose compared to higher escalation doses. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea often improve as doses stabilise. However, some people may experience persistent mild effects. Your prescriber can adjust your maintenance dose or discuss alternative strategies if side effects remain bothersome.
Can I use the GLP-1 calculator to estimate my maintenance dose?
Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand projected weight loss at different doses, but it cannot determine your personal maintenance dose — that requires clinical assessment by your prescriber. Use the calculator as an educational tool alongside discussions with your GP about what maintenance dose might be right for you.
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.