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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What Is A Maintenance Dose Of Mounjaro?
A maintenance dose of Mounjaro is the ongoing weekly dose you take after your body has adjusted to the medication through a gradual dose escalation process. Unlike the initial "titration" phase where doses increase every 4 weeks, the maintenance dose remains stable once you reach the level your prescriber considers optimal for you. Most people reach maintenance between weeks 16 and 21, typically at doses ranging from 5mg to 15mg once weekly. Understanding maintenance dosing helps you plan treatment costs and set realistic expectations for long-term weight management alongside lifestyle changes.
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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.
Understanding Mounjaro Maintenance Dosing And Escalation
Mounjaro dosing follows a structured dose titration schedule designed to minimise side effects and allow your body to adjust gradually. You start at 2.5mg weekly for 4 weeks, then escalate to 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and finally 15mg — each dose held for a minimum of 4 weeks before increasing. The maintenance dose is whichever dose your prescriber determines works best for you; many people maintain on 10mg or 15mg, though some stabilise at lower doses like 5mg or 7.5mg. The maximum licensed dose is 15mg weekly. Individual response varies significantly — your prescriber will assess your progress, side effects, and weight loss response to determine your optimal maintenance level. Unlike other weight loss medications, tirzepatide (Mounjaro's active ingredient) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which may allow some people to achieve results at lower doses than single-mechanism alternatives like Wegovy.
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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.
Mounjaro Maintenance Costs And UK Access Routes
In the UK, Mounjaro maintenance costs vary significantly depending on your access route. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services following referral from your GP — costs are covered by the NHS, though regional availability and waiting lists vary considerably. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies; costs typically range from £129 to £320+ monthly depending on your maintenance dose, with higher doses costing more. A 10mg maintenance dose usually costs £180–£250 monthly, whilst the maximum 15mg dose may cost £250–£320 monthly. Many people budget for ongoing private prescriptions once they've established their maintenance dose, as NHS waiting lists for new patients can extend months or years. Online consultations assess your eligibility before prescription, and you'll need repeat consultations every 6–12 months depending on your provider's requirements and MHRA guidance.
- 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.
How long does it take to reach a Mounjaro maintenance dose?
It typically takes 16–21 weeks to reach your stable maintenance dose, assuming you escalate every 4 weeks without delays. You start at 2.5mg and progress through six escalation steps. Some people need longer if they experience side effects or require dose adjustments. Your prescriber may slow escalation if needed.
Can I stay on a low Mounjaro maintenance dose like 5mg?
Yes — maintenance dose varies individually. Some people respond well to 5mg or 7.5mg and may not need escalation to higher doses. Your prescriber will assess your weight loss progress and side effects to determine if your current dose is appropriate or if escalation would be beneficial.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy maintenance dosing?
Mounjaro's maximum maintenance dose is 15mg weekly, whilst Wegovy's (semaglutide) is 2.4mg weekly — the medications use different dosing scales. Mounjaro escalates over 5+ months; Wegovy over 4–5 months. Average weight loss outcomes are comparable, though Mounjaro's dual mechanism may suit some people better.
Is NHS Mounjaro treatment free at maintenance dose?
Yes — if prescribed through NHS specialist weight management services, Mounjaro is free at any dose, including maintenance. However, NHS access requires specialist referral and availability varies by region. Many areas have long waiting lists; private routes offer faster access.
How much does a maintenance dose of Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range £130–£320 monthly depending on your maintenance dose. A 5mg dose may cost £130–£160, whilst 10mg costs around £180–£250, and 15mg costs £250–£320+. Prices vary between GPhC-registered providers; some offer subscription discounts for ongoing treatment.
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.