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
Why Am I So Hungry On Mounjaro?
If you're taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and still feeling unusually hungry, you're not alone. While most people experience reduced appetite on this GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, some individuals find hunger remains a challenge. This can happen for several reasons: the dose may not be optimal yet, you might need time for your body to adjust, or in some cases, Mounjaro may simply not suppress appetite as effectively for you personally. Understanding why this happens โ and what to do about it โ can help you get the most from your treatment. This NHS-aligned guide explains the science behind appetite suppression and practical steps to discuss with your GP.
10,000+ calculations today ยท NHS-aligned thresholds ยท 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/mยฒ).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure โ it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution โ 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 โ 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.
How Mounjaro Affects Appetite and Why It May Not Always Work
Mounjaro works by activating two natural hormone pathways: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These hormones signal to the brain that you're full, slow how quickly food leaves your stomach, and reduce cravings. However, appetite suppression isn't assured to work for everyone, and several factors affect how effective it is.
- Dose stage: If you're still in the titration phase (starting at 2.5 mg and increasing weekly), your body may not yet be at a therapeutic dose. Appetite suppression typically improves as you move from 2.5 mg โ 5 mg โ 7.5 mg and above.
- Individual variation: Genetics, metabolism, and baseline hunger hormones vary between people. Some individuals are naturally less sensitive to GLP-1/GIP signalling.
- Stomach adaptation: Over time, the stomach's response to slower food movement can reduce, potentially decreasing appetite suppression effects.
- Psychological hunger: Mounjaro reduces physical hunger signals, not emotional eating or habit-driven hunger. Stress, boredom, or routine eating may persist.
If hunger remains high after reaching maintenance dose (typically 10โ15 mg), discuss with your GP whether dose adjustment or alternative medication may help.
Weight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care โ 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 โ 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 โ completely free.
When to Speak to Your GP and What Adjustments Help
If you're still very hungry after 4 weeks on your current Mounjaro dose, contact your GP or the prescriber who initiated your treatment. They can assess whether you're at an optimal dose and whether a further increase is appropriate. Do not increase your dose yourself โ dose adjustments must be managed by your prescriber.
- Keep a hunger and food diary for 2โ3 weeks before your GP appointment โ note when hunger peaks, what triggers it, and portion sizes you're eating.
- Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to track expected progress and ensure realistic weight loss targets.
- Combine Mounjaro with structured eating: smaller plates, slower eating, more protein at meals, and adequate water intake can amplify appetite suppression.
- If hunger persists at maximum dose (15 mg weekly), your GP may discuss whether a different medication or additional support would help.
Weight loss on Mounjaro depends on both medication and lifestyle โ hunger reduction is the tool, not the entire solution.
- 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 โ 5mg โ 7.5mg โ 10mg โ 12.5mg โ 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15โ17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg โ 0.5mg โ 1mg โ 1.7mg โ 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 | 15โ22.5% | 12โ17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20โ32 weeks | 16โ20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | ยฃ150โยฃ250/month | ยฃ150โยฃ300/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 โ 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 it normal to still feel hungry on Mounjaro?
Yes, some people experience less appetite suppression than others, especially in the early weeks or if still titrating up through doses. Hunger can also be psychological rather than physical. If you're at maintenance dose (10โ15 mg) and still very hungry, discuss with your GP about dose adjustments or whether this medication is the best fit for you.
Will my appetite suppression improve if I wait longer on Mounjaro?
Appetite suppression often improves as you increase doses during titration (weeks 1โ20). However, if you've been on a stable dose for 4+ weeks with no improvement, waiting longer is unlikely to help. Contact your prescriber to discuss next steps rather than delaying adjustment.
Can I increase my Mounjaro dose myself if I'm still hungry?
No. Dose increases must only be made by your prescriber. Increasing too quickly increases side effect risk without improving outcomes. Your GP will assess whether you're ready to move to the next dose based on tolerability and response.
Does Mounjaro help with emotional eating if I'm still hungry?
Mounjaro reduces physical hunger signals but doesn't address emotional eating triggers (stress, boredom, habit). You may need additional support โ your GP can refer you to a weight management programme or dietitian who can help with behavioural strategies alongside medication.
Should I use appetite suppressant supplements alongside Mounjaro?
No. Combining Mounjaro with other appetite suppressants or herbal stimulants is not recommended and may be unsafe. Always discuss any supplements with your GP before taking them alongside your prescription medication.
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.