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
Who Qualifies for Mounjaro on NHS?
Eligibility for Mounjaro on the NHS depends on your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and ethnicity. Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) follow the same NHS qualification criteria, though access varies by region. This guide explains the NHS eligibility thresholds, how to check if you qualify, and what happens next. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly and see where you fall on the NHS health categories.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Mounjaro Eligibility Criteria Explained
Standard eligibility for Mounjaro on NHS:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition
Weight-related conditions that may qualify: type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia), obstructive sleep apnoea, or history of cardiovascular disease.
Ethnicity-adjusted thresholds: For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults, NHS guidance recommends lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks at lower weights. Your GP will assess your individual circumstances. NHS access to Mounjaro and Wegovy is through specialist tier 3 weight management services—not standard GP prescription. Waiting times vary significantly by region.
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.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Comparison for NHS Access
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy meet the same NHS eligibility criteria, but they work differently. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed average weight loss of 15–21% at the highest dose (15 mg once weekly), while Wegovy showed approximately 15% average weight loss at 2.4 mg once weekly—though individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will assess which medication suits your health profile. Both require dose titration starting at lower doses, with regular monitoring. The choice depends on your health conditions, tolerance, and prescriber recommendation rather than NHS availability difference.
- 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 BMI do I need to qualify for Mounjaro on NHS?
You typically qualify if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds may apply. Use our BMI calculator to check your current BMI and see which NHS category you fall into.
How long are NHS waiting lists for Mounjaro?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and local NHS integrated care board (ICB) availability. Some areas have waiting lists of several months to over a year, while others may have shorter waits. Contact your GP for current waiting times in your area, or explore private prescription options if NHS waiting times are a concern.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for NHS eligibility?
Both medications follow identical NHS eligibility criteria—same BMI thresholds and health conditions. The difference is in how they work: Mounjaro is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Clinical trial data shows Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss, but individual results vary. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your health profile.
Can I get Mounjaro privately if I don't qualify for NHS?
Yes. Private prescribing is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers if you meet clinical suitability criteria—which may differ slightly from strict NHS thresholds. A prescriber will assess your health and issue a prescription if appropriate. Private costs vary by dose and provider, typically ranging from £129–£320 per month.
Do I need to try diet and exercise first before getting Mounjaro on NHS?
Yes, typically NHS specialist services recommend demonstrating engagement with lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity) before prescribing. Mounjaro is prescribed alongside lifestyle modifications, not instead of them. Your GP can refer you to tier 3 weight management services, which will assess your readiness and provide comprehensive support.
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.