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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When Will Mounjaro Be Cheaper in the UK?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) remains an expensive prescription-only medication in the UK, with private costs typically ranging from £150 to £320 per month depending on dose. Many people wonder when prices might decrease. The reality is complex: patent protection, manufacturing costs, and NHS commissioning all affect pricing. This guide explains the factors that influence Mounjaro costs and what might change in the future.
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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.
What Determines Mounjaro Pricing Right Now?
Mounjaro's current UK pricing reflects several factors. Patent protection means Eli Lilly holds exclusive manufacturing rights until approximately 2031–2032, preventing cheaper generic versions from entering the market. Private online prescribing services typically charge between £150 and £320 monthly depending on your dose — higher doses cost more. NHS access is more limited; tirzepatide is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services in some regions, though waiting lists are often very long and availability varies significantly by integrated care board (ICB).
- Manufacturing and research costs are substantial — tirzepatide is a complex dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Distribution, clinical support, and regulatory compliance add to the price
- Demand in the UK has outstripped supply since Mounjaro's 2022 approval for weight management
- Unlike Wegovy (semaglutide), which has a competitor in Saxenda, tirzepatide currently has no equivalent rival
Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses to inform your decision.
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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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When Might Prices Fall — Patent and Generic Timeline?
Mounjaro's UK patent protection is expected to expire around 2031–2032, after which generic tirzepatide manufacturers may enter the market. This typically leads to significant price reductions — often 50% or more compared to branded versions. However, several factors could extend or shorten this timeline: patent extensions, regulatory decisions, or manufacturing innovations.
- NICE recommendations for NHS funding could increase availability and potentially drive competitive pricing
- If demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, manufacturers may increase supply and reduce costs earlier
- International generic competition could influence UK pricing even before patents fully expire
- Current private pricing reflects UK-specific distribution costs and market conditions
Use our free BMI calculator to check your current weight status and NHS eligibility criteria for specialist services, which may offer a more affordable route.
Q1: Is Mounjaro cheaper on the NHS than privately? A1: Yes, when prescribed through NHS specialist weight management services, Mounjaro is typically available free. However, NHS access is limited to certain regions and specialist tiers, with long waiting lists in many areas. Private prescribing offers faster access but costs £150–£320 monthly depending on dose. NHS availability depends on your integrated care board (ICB) and referral to tier 3 services. Q2: Why is Mounjaro so expensive compared to Wegovy? A2: Wegovy (semaglutide) has a competitor in Saxenda (liraglutide), creating some pricing pressure. Mounjaro has no direct competitor yet — it's the only dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist on the UK market. Patent exclusivity and manufacturing complexity also contribute to the higher tirzepatide cost. Prices may equalise once generic tirzepatide becomes available post-2031. Q3: Will generic tirzepatide be much cheaper? A3: Yes, typically. Generic versions usually cost 50–70% less than branded medications once patents expire. This is expected around 2031–2032 for Mounjaro. However, exact savings depend on manufacturing competition, NHS commissioning decisions, and regulatory factors. Historical precedent suggests significant price reductions. Q4: Can I get Mounjaro cheaper by switching between providers? A4: Prices vary slightly between private online prescribing services — typically £150–£320 per month. Shopping around may save £20–50 monthly, but differences are relatively small. Your best options for cost savings are: accessing it via NHS specialist services (free if eligible), waiting for generic versions, or exploring alternative GLP-1 medications like Saxenda through your GP. Q5: What's the difference between Mounjaro and cheaper alternatives? A5: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are GLP-1-only medications — often slightly cheaper privately. Clinical trials show Mounjaro may support slightly greater weight loss on average, though individual results vary. Your prescriber will assess which is most suitable based on your health profile.- 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.
What is BMI and how is it calculated?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. It's the standard screening tool used by the NHS to assess whether adults are a healthy weight.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution. Athletes may have a high BMI without excess fat. The NHS recommends using BMI alongside waist circumference for a more complete picture.
What are GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications that mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and help with weight loss. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the two most widely used for weight management in the UK.
Am I eligible for GLP-1 weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, you need a BMI of 30+ (obese) or 27+ with a weight-related health condition. You must be 18 or over. Use our BMI calculator to check.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with up to 22.5% weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1-only with up to 15-17% weight loss. Both are weekly injections.
Is this website free to use?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up required. All tools work instantly in your browser and no personal data is stored on our servers.
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.