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
When Is Mounjaro Available on the NHS?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available on the NHS, but access is limited to specialist weight management services and depends on your local area. NICE approved tirzepatide for use within the NHS in 2024, yet availability varies significantly by region. You cannot get Mounjaro prescribed by your GP in primary care — you must be referred to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management service. Waiting times can be months or longer depending on your NHS integrated care board (ICB). This guide explains current NHS availability, eligibility, and how to access Mounjaro through the 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.
NHS Access and Regional Availability
NICE approval: In 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management within NHS specialist services. This means Mounjaro is an approved treatment option, but only specialist weight management services can prescribe it.
Regional variation: NHS Mounjaro availability differs dramatically across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Some ICBs have already integrated Mounjaro into their tier 3 weight management pathways; others have not yet approved it or have limited supply. Your postcode essentially determines whether you can access it through the NHS.
Tier 3 referral required: To access Mounjaro on the NHS, your GP must refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. These are usually hosted by NHS obesity clinics or hospital trusts. GPs themselves cannot prescribe Mounjaro in primary care.
- Contact your GP and ask to be referred to the local NHS weight management service
- Ask your GP to check whether your ICB currently offers Mounjaro
- If not available locally, ask about alternative GLP-1 options like Saxenda (liraglutide)
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 Waiting Times and Private Alternatives
Many NHS weight management services currently have waiting lists of 6–24 months due to high demand and limited capacity. Once assessed, you may need to wait further before Mounjaro is initiated. For this reason, many people in the UK choose private prescribing to access Mounjaro more quickly. Private online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers can be completed within days, and Mounjaro can be dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Costs vary by dose but typically range from £150–£320 per month. Both NHS and private routes require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility based on your BMI, health conditions, and medical history. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI — this is a first step in understanding your eligibility for weight management treatment.
- 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 Mounjaro currently available on the NHS?
Yes, NICE approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for NHS use in 2024. However, availability is limited to specialist tier 3 weight management services and varies significantly by region. Not all NHS areas offer it yet, and those that do typically have waiting lists. Check with your local NHS weight management service via your GP.
How do I get Mounjaro through the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to the local NHS tier 3 weight management service. Your GP can check whether your integrated care board (ICB) currently provides Mounjaro. If approved, you'll be assessed by the specialist team. Waiting times vary from months to over a year depending on demand and supply in your area.
What if Mounjaro isn't available in my NHS area?
If your NHS area hasn't approved Mounjaro or has a very long waiting list, you have two options: (1) Ask your GP about alternative NHS-approved medications like Saxenda (liraglutide); (2) Access Mounjaro privately through an online consultation with a UK prescriber and a GPhC-registered pharmacy, typically available within days.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy on the NHS?
Both are weight management injections available through the NHS, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1-only agonist. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly greater average weight loss, but individual results vary. NHS availability also depends on your local service.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately if I don't want to wait?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £150–£320 per month depending on dose. The starting dose (2.5 mg) costs less; maximum dose (15 mg) costs more. You'll need a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following an online consultation, and you must meet clinical eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions).
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.