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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Why Am I Still Hungry on 5mg Mounjaro?
Feeling hungry while taking 5mg Mounjaro is common and doesn't mean the medication isn't working. At the starting dose, appetite suppression varies significantly between individuals — some experience reduced hunger immediately, while others notice no change at this stage. Mounjaro typically requires several weeks to take full effect, and appetite suppression often increases as your dose gradually increases. Your prescriber will review your response and may adjust your dose upward. This guide explains what to expect and when hunger may decrease.
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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.
How Mounjaro Affects Appetite at 5mg
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by activating two natural hormone pathways involved in appetite regulation. At 5mg — the standard maintenance dose after the 2.5mg starting phase — appetite suppression is often modest compared to higher doses. Clinical data shows that the average weight loss at 5mg is approximately 15% of body weight, though individual results vary considerably. Some people experience significant hunger reduction within days, while others need to progress to 7.5mg or 10mg before noticing substantial appetite changes.
The medication slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach) and sends satiety signals to your brain, but these effects build gradually. At 5mg, you may still feel reasonably hungry at mealtimes — this is normal. Your body may also be adjusting to the medication, and side effects like nausea can temporarily mask appetite changes. Always use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to track expected outcomes at your current dose and project results if your prescriber increases it.
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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.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
What to Do If You're Hungry on 5mg
Hunger at 5mg doesn't mean you should stop taking Mounjaro or that it won't work for you. Continue taking it as prescribed — your prescriber may increase your dose after 4 weeks if appropriate. In the meantime, focus on supporting the medication with lifestyle changes: eat protein-rich foods (which increase satiety), drink plenty of water, and eat slowly to give your stomach time to signal fullness. Avoid triggering situations like keeping tempting snacks visible. If you're struggling with hunger, speak to your prescriber or the team managing your Mounjaro — they may suggest a dose increase, reassess your diet plan, or discuss whether the medication is working optimally for you. Remember, Mounjaro works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not as a replacement for them.
- 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 it normal to feel hungry on 5mg Mounjaro?
Yes, it's very normal. At 5mg, appetite suppression is modest for many people. Hunger often decreases further as your dose increases (7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg). Clinical trials show that higher doses produce greater appetite reduction. If hunger remains the main issue, ask your prescriber about progressing to the next dose.
How long does it take for Mounjaro to reduce hunger?
Some people notice reduced appetite within days of starting, while others take 2–4 weeks. At 5mg specifically, you may feel minimal change. Appetite suppression typically increases as your dose increases every 4 weeks. Individual responses vary based on genetics, metabolism, and other factors.
What if I'm hungry at 5mg but my weight is still dropping?
Weight loss and appetite suppression are separate effects. You may lose weight through metabolic changes and slowed gastric emptying even if you still feel hungry. This is normal and doesn't mean the medication isn't working. Your prescriber may still increase your dose to improve appetite control alongside weight loss.
Can I increase my Mounjaro dose faster than 4 weeks?
No. Mounjaro must be increased every 4 weeks minimum to allow your body to adjust and for side effects to settle. Faster escalation increases nausea and vomiting risk. If hunger is severe at 5mg, discuss it with your prescriber — they may recommend strategies before increasing dose, or advance at the standard pace if clinically appropriate.
How does Mounjaro hunger control compare to Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce greater appetite suppression and average weight loss (15–21% vs ~15% with Wegovy), but individual responses vary significantly. Your prescriber can advise which suits your situation.
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.