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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Wegovy And Mounjaro: Cost, Access, And How To Get Them In The UK
Wegovy and Mounjaro are both prescription-only weight loss injections available in the UK, but they differ significantly in cost, access routes, and how they work. Both are GLP-1 medications — though Mounjaro is technically a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. Understanding the differences between them, especially around UK pricing and how to access them through NHS specialist services or private online consultations, can help you decide which option suits your circumstances.
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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.
Cost And Access: NHS Route Versus Private Prescription In The UK
In the UK, both Wegovy and Mounjaro are available through two distinct pathways: NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescription services.
NHS access is free at the point of use but requires referral to a tier 3 or 4 weight management service through your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use, though regional availability varies considerably — some areas have significant waiting lists spanning months or even years. Semaglutide (Wegovy) is also available on the NHS through specialist services, though access is similarly variable and depends on your local integrated care board.
Private prescription costs in the UK typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the dose and provider. Mounjaro doses start at 2.5 mg weekly and escalate to a maximum of 15 mg, whilst Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and reaches 2.4 mg maximum — both are once-weekly injections. Lower doses cost less than higher maintenance doses. Private prescribers conduct online clinical assessments before issuing a prescription, which is then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
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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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How To Access Wegovy And Mounjaro: The Private Online Route Explained
The private prescription route is the fastest way to access both Wegovy and Mounjaro in the UK without waiting for NHS services. You complete an online health questionnaire with a UK-licensed prescriber, who reviews your medical history, current medications, BMI, and weight-related health conditions. If deemed clinically appropriate, the prescriber issues a prescription, which is then sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing.
The entire process typically takes 24–48 hours from consultation to dispatch. You'll need to pay for the medication privately — costs depend on the starting dose. Most providers allow you to increase doses gradually as directed, and you can pause or stop treatment at any time. Your progress is tracked between consultations, and prescribers can adjust your dose based on tolerance and weight loss results. Always ensure the prescriber is UK-licensed and the pharmacy is GPhC-registered for your safety.
- 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 cheaper than Mounjaro in the UK?
Pricing varies between private providers, but both typically cost £129–£320 monthly depending on dose. Wegovy starts at a lower dose (0.25 mg) costing less initially, whilst Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg. At higher maintenance doses, costs are often similar. NHS access is free but may involve waiting lists. Compare quotes from GPhC-registered pharmacies for current pricing.
Can I get Wegovy or Mounjaro on the NHS?
Yes, both are available through NHS tier 3 or 4 specialist weight management services following GP referral. However, availability is limited and varies significantly by region. You must meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with comorbidities) and typically face waiting lists of several months to over a year in many areas.
How long does it take to get a private prescription for Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Private online consultations typically take 24–48 hours from submission to prescription dispatch. You complete a health questionnaire with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, your prescription is sent to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for delivery. This is much faster than NHS routes.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with doses reaching 15 mg weekly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only, with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may achieve slightly higher average weight loss, though individual results vary significantly.
Do I need a prescription for Wegovy and Mounjaro in the UK?
Yes, both are prescription-only medicines. You cannot buy them without a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber. This applies to both NHS and private routes. Prescribers conduct a clinical assessment to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you based on your health status and eligibility.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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