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 To Expect On Mounjaro: Cost, Access & How To Get It
Starting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in the UK involves understanding both how to access the medication and what it costs. You can obtain Mounjaro through the NHS specialist weight management services or via private prescription following an online clinical assessment. This guide explains the realistic costs, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step process for accessing this once-weekly injection in the UK, whether through NHS or private routes.
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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.
Private Mounjaro Cost & Access in the UK
In the private sector, Mounjaro costs vary by dose and provider, typically ranging from £120 to £350 per month. The starting dose (2.5 mg) is usually the least expensive, with prices increasing as you progress through the dose titration schedule. Each KwikPen contains four weekly injections, meaning a single pen lasts approximately one month. Most private providers offer transparent pricing upfront, though costs may vary between pharmacies. You'll need a valid UK prescription from a licensed prescriber, which is issued after an online consultation. The consultation fee is typically £20–£50 and is sometimes waived if you proceed with a prescription. Payment is usually handled online, and pens are dispatched within 1–3 working days. Many private providers offer subscription models, allowing you to pause, adjust dose, or cancel at any time—this flexibility is a key difference from NHS provision.
Clinically BackedWeight 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: Routes to Mounjaro in the UK
The NHS route requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service from your GP. Eligibility depends on BMI and weight-related health conditions, and access varies significantly by region. NHS waiting lists can be lengthy—months to years in some areas. Once approved, the NHS covers the full cost, but availability of Mounjaro specifically may be limited in your area, and you cannot choose your dose schedule.
The private route bypasses NHS waiting lists entirely. You complete an online health questionnaire, have a brief consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber (usually within 24 hours), and receive your prescription if appropriate. Private access is faster and more flexible, though you pay the full cost. Both routes require genuine medical assessment—neither is automatic.
Online consultation process: Register with a GPhC-registered provider, complete a detailed health questionnaire, and have a video or telephone consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. They'll assess your BMI, health conditions, medications, and eligibility. If approved, a prescription is issued electronically to a pharmacy. You'll receive your first KwikPen(s) within days. Most providers offer ongoing support, including dose adjustment guidance and side effect management. Keep your original prescription or a copy for your records. Always inform your GP that you're taking Mounjaro, even if obtained privately, so your medical record is accurate and your GP can monitor your progress.
- 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 much does Mounjaro cost on private prescription in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £120–£350 per month depending on dose and provider. The starting 2.5 mg dose is cheaper than higher doses like 15 mg. Prices vary between pharmacies, so it's worth comparing. Some providers offer subscription discounts or first-dose reductions. Always check what's included—some fees may be separate from the medication cost.
Can I get Mounjaro free on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro is available on the NHS through tier 3 specialist weight management services, but only for eligible adults. You'll need referral from your GP and must meet BMI and health condition criteria. NHS provision is free, but waiting lists are often very long (months to years in some areas), and availability varies by region. Your regional ICB (Integrated Care Board) determines access.
How long does the online consultation take to get Mounjaro?
Most private online consultations take 15–30 minutes. Registration and questionnaire completion typically takes 10–15 minutes. Many providers offer same-day or next-day consultation appointments. Once approved, your prescription is issued electronically and your first KwikPen is usually dispatched within 1–3 working days. Total time from registration to receiving medication is typically 2–5 days.
Do I need to see my GP before starting Mounjaro privately?
You don't legally need GP approval to access private Mounjaro, as you're obtaining a private prescription. However, it's good practice to inform your GP that you're starting treatment so your medical record is complete and they can monitor your health and any interactions with other medications you may be taking.
What happens if I want to switch from NHS to private Mounjaro?
You can switch at any time. If you're on an NHS waiting list and decide to go private, you can simply register with a private provider and start the online consultation process independently. If you're already receiving NHS Mounjaro, inform your NHS specialist team before switching. There's no "handover" process—you simply stop NHS treatment and begin private provision. Keep both teams informed for continuity of care.
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.