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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How to Safely Wean Off Mounjaro in the UK
Stopping Mounjaro (tirzepatide) requires a careful approach — abrupt discontinuation isn't recommended and can lead to rapid weight regain. In the UK, weaning off Mounjaro involves gradual dose reduction over several weeks, supported by your GP or prescriber. This guide covers the medical protocol, costs across NHS and private routes, and what to expect during and after stopping this dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist medication. Understanding the process helps you plan your transition safely and maintain any weight loss achieved.
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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 Dose Tapering Protocol
Weaning off Mounjaro isn't a simple case of stopping your once-weekly injection. Clinical guidance recommends a gradual dose reduction rather than abrupt cessation. The typical UK protocol involves stepping down through lower doses — for example, from 15 mg to 10 mg, then 7.5 mg, then 5 mg — with at least 4 weeks at each reduced dose before stepping down further.
- This approach minimises withdrawal-like symptoms and helps your body adjust gradually
- Rapid weight regain often occurs if you stop suddenly, as appetite regulation returns quickly
- Your prescriber will monitor your response at each dose reduction
- The entire weaning process typically takes 8–16 weeks depending on your starting dose
- Throughout tapering, continuing dietary changes and physical activity is essential to minimise weight rebound
Your GP or prescriber can assess whether slower or faster tapering suits your individual health status and weight loss goals.
Weight Loss
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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 Access: Cost and Weaning Support
NHS route: If you're on Mounjaro through an NHS specialist weight management service, tapering is managed by that service at no additional cost. However, NHS specialist services have lengthy waiting lists, and continuity of care during weaning can vary by region.
Private route: Private prescribers typically charge for ongoing consultations during tapering — expect £40–£80 per consultation. Some providers include tapering support in their ongoing care package. The cost of Mounjaro itself remains approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose, continuing until you've fully weaned off. After stopping, you'll need to rely on GP support or purchase private consultations for ongoing health monitoring, which may cost £50–£150 per consultation.
Plan your financial commitment for the entire weaning process, not just the medication itself.
- 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 stop Mounjaro suddenly without tapering?
No. Abrupt cessation can cause rapid weight regain and appetite rebound within days. Clinical guidance recommends gradual dose reduction over 8–16 weeks, stepping down by at least one dose level every 4 weeks. Your prescriber will monitor your response at each stage. Stopping suddenly may undo weight loss progress and leave you without appetite-regulation support.
How much does tapering cost on the NHS?
If you're weaning off Mounjaro through an NHS specialist weight management service, there is no additional cost — tapering consultations are included. However, NHS specialist services have regional variation in availability and waiting lists. Some areas have limited continuity during the weaning process. Your GP can also support tapering after specialist referral.
What happens to weight after stopping Mounjaro?
Weight regain is common after stopping tirzepatide, particularly in the first few weeks as appetite regulation returns. Clinical trials suggest many people regain 50% of lost weight within 1 year if lifestyle changes aren't maintained. Our free progress tracker can help you monitor changes during and after weaning. Maintaining reduced-calorie diet and physical activity is crucial to minimise rebound.
Can my GP support Mounjaro weaning, or must I stay with the prescriber?
Your GP can support tapering if they're willing and have appropriate expertise. However, many GPs are less familiar with tirzepatide weaning protocols than specialist services or private prescribers who initiated the medication. Check with your GP whether they can manage your tapering plan. If not, your private prescriber or NHS specialist service should guide the process.
What should I do after weaning off Mounjaro completely?
After stopping, focus on maintaining the lifestyle changes — reduced-calorie diet and physical activity — that achieved your weight loss. Weight regain risk is highest in the first 3 months. Many people find ongoing support helpful, either through GP-led programmes, dietitian services, or private health coaching. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand your options if you're considering restarting or switching 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.