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
Wegovy 1.7mg vs Mounjaro — What's the Difference in Cost and Access?
Wegovy 1.7mg and Mounjaro are not exact equivalents, though both are GLP-1 or dual GLP-1/GIP weight loss injections available in the UK. Many people wonder which is more affordable or easier to access through the NHS or privately. The key difference is that Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 agonist, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates both GIP and GLP-1 pathways. Understanding the cost, eligibility, and access routes in the UK can help you make an informed decision with your GP or prescriber.
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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.
UK Cost and Private Access Routes
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are available privately through UK-licensed online prescribing services, typically costing £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. Wegovy 1.7mg falls mid-range in its titration schedule, while Mounjaro requires careful dose titration starting at 2.5mg and building to 15mg maximum. When comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy, private costs are broadly similar across dose ranges, though individual pharmacies price differently.
- Wegovy: Doses range from 0.25mg to 2.4mg weekly; 1.7mg is typically reached around week 13
- Mounjaro: Doses range from 2.5mg to 15mg weekly; a rough equivalent to Wegovy 1.7mg would be around 7.5–10mg
- Neither medication is assured to be cheaper at equivalent doses—price depends on your chosen provider and current stock levels
- Private prescriptions require an online clinical assessment before dispensing
Always confirm exact pricing with your chosen pharmacy, as costs vary between providers and may change seasonally.
Weight 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 Access — What You Need to Know
NHS access to either Mounjaro or Wegovy is limited and varies by region. You'll typically need referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, which requires GP involvement and can involve waiting lists of several months. This is different from private access, where you can consult an online prescriber directly without NHS referral. MHRA-approved weight loss injections like both these medications require prescription regardless of route. Private online consultations assess your eligibility based on BMI, health conditions, and medication interactions. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help estimate potential outcomes, though individual results vary significantly and depend on diet, activity, and dose titration compliance.
- 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 Wegovy 1.7mg the same strength as a specific Mounjaro dose?
No exact equivalent exists. Wegovy 1.7mg is approximately equivalent to Mounjaro 7.5–10mg based on clinical practice, but they use different mechanisms—Wegovy is GLP-1 only, Mounjaro is dual GIP/GLP-1. Any switch between medications must be managed by a prescriber.
How much does Wegovy cost privately in the UK?
Private Wegovy typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on dose and pharmacy. Wegovy 1.7mg usually falls in the mid-range. Always confirm pricing before starting, as costs vary by provider and your clinical assessment outcome.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy through the NHS?
Access is limited to NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services, usually requiring GP referral. Waiting lists vary by region and can be several months. Private prescribing offers faster access through online consultants without NHS referral.
What's the online prescription process for Wegovy or Mounjaro in the UK?
You complete an online health questionnaire, a UK-licensed prescriber reviews it, and if approved, a prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. The process typically takes 24–48 hours. Clinical assessment checks eligibility, contraindications, and medication interactions.
Will either Wegovy or Mounjaro definitely help me lose weight?
Both may help with weight loss when combined with diet and activity changes, but results vary individually. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% with Wegovy and 15–21% with Mounjaro, but individual outcomes depend on dose titration, adherence, and lifestyle factors. Our progress tracker can help you log real results.
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.