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 UK Price: NHS and Private Costs Explained
Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) is a prescription-only weight management injection available in the UK through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing routes. The cost varies significantly depending on whether you access it through the NHS or privately. Understanding the pricing, eligibility, and availability is essential for anyone considering this dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist medication. This guide covers NHS access, private costs, and what affects the price you'll pay.
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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.
NHS Access and Eligibility for Tirzepatide in the UK
NHS prescribing of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not from standard GP practices. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within the NHS for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
To access Mounjaro on the NHS, you must be referred by your GP to a specialist weight management service in your region. There are no direct NHS costs to patients — the medication is provided free once prescribed by a specialist. However, waiting times for NHS specialist services vary significantly by region, and some areas have extended waiting lists of several months or longer. NHS availability also depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) funding and commissioning decisions.
- Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults (from 27.5 kg/m²)
- Requires multidisciplinary assessment including diet, exercise, and behavioural support
- Prescription managed by specialist service, not your GP
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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.
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Private Tirzepatide Costs in the UK
Private tirzepatide prescribing is available through UK-licensed online prescribing services following a clinical consultation. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) cost less than maintenance or maximum doses (15 mg).
Private prescriptions are issued by a UK-registered prescriber and dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. You avoid NHS waiting lists but pay the full medication cost. Some private providers offer subscription or package pricing. Costs may vary based on consultation fees, though many online prescribing services include consultations within the medication price. Always check the total cost upfront before committing.
Private tirzepatide prescribing is available through UK-licensed online prescribing services following a clinical consultation. Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month, depending on the dose and provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) cost less than maintenance or maximum doses (15 mg).
Private prescriptions are issued by a UK-registered prescriber and dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. You avoid NHS waiting lists but pay the full medication cost. Some private providers offer subscription or package pricing. Costs may vary based on consultation fees, though many online prescribing services include consultations within the medication price. Always check the total cost upfront before committing. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check your eligibility.
- 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.
Is tirzepatide available on the NHS for free?
Yes, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is available free on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services for eligible adults. However, you must be referred by your GP and meet NICE eligibility criteria. NHS provision varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Private prescribing is available immediately without NHS referral but requires payment.
Why does tirzepatide cost more privately than on the NHS?
The NHS prescribes tirzepatide free as part of specialist weight management services funded by the NHS budget. Private prescribing involves individual clinical assessments, prescription fees, and pharmacy dispensing costs. Private access is faster and doesn't require NHS referral, which is why patients pay for the convenience and speed.
What factors affect the price of private tirzepatide in the UK?
Private tirzepatide prices vary by dose (starting dose costs less than maximum dose), provider, and whether consultation fees are included separately. Some providers offer monthly or annual subscription pricing. Geographic location and pharmacy dispensing practices may also affect final cost. Always compare total costs across providers before prescribing.
Can I get tirzepatide on the NHS if I'm overweight but not obese?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 27–29.9 kg/m² and you have a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Lower BMI thresholds (from 27.5 kg/m²) apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility.
What's the difference between NHS and private tirzepatide prescriptions?
NHS prescriptions are free but require GP referral to specialist services and involve waiting times. Private prescriptions require payment (£129–£320/month typically) but are issued quickly after online consultation without NHS referral. Both are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment; safety and medication content are identical.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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