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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What Does Winding On Mounjaro Cost in the UK?
"Winding on" Mounjaro refers to the gradual dose escalation process where your dose increases weekly over several weeks until reaching your target dose. Understanding the cost and access routes for Mounjaro in the UK is essential before starting. Whether you're eligible for NHS access through specialist weight management services or considering private prescription, this guide covers what to expect, how much it costs, and how the dose titration process works alongside your treatment journey.
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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.
Mounjaro Cost and Private Access in the UK
Private prescription costs for Mounjaro in the UK vary depending on your current dose and the provider. During the winding-on phase, you'll typically pay per pen (each containing 4 weekly doses). Initial doses like 2.5 mg and 5 mg generally cost less than higher maintenance doses; prices typically range from around £90 to £180 per pen depending on dose strength and provider. At 15 mg (the maximum dose), costs can reach £200–£250 per pen. Over a full year of treatment starting from 2.5 mg and escalating to 15 mg, total costs can range from £1,500 to £3,000+ depending on your dose journey and provider pricing. Private access requires an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber who will assess your eligibility based on BMI, health conditions, and medical history. If approved, a prescription is issued to a GPhC-registered pharmacy for dispensing. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists and allows faster access.
- No NHS referral needed for private access
- Online assessment takes 15–30 minutes
- Prescription issued same day if approved
- Medication arrives within 3–5 working days
- Doses are self-injectable KwikPens
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 vs Private Routes and What to Expect
NHS access is available through tier 3 specialist weight management services. Your GP can refer you if you meet criteria: BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea). NHS treatment is free, but waiting times vary significantly by region—some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. Once approved, your dose escalation and ongoing monitoring are managed by the specialist service at no cost. Private online consultations are straightforward: you answer health questions, declare any medications, and a prescriber reviews your case. Be prepared to discuss your weight loss goals, previous attempts, and any medical conditions. If tirzepatide is appropriate, you'll receive a UK prescription valid at any GPhC-registered pharmacy. You can use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses before starting 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.
How long does the winding-on process take?
Typically 16–20 weeks. You start at 2.5 mg and increase every 4 weeks—2.5 mg (weeks 1–4), 5 mg (weeks 5–8), 7.5 mg (weeks 9–12), 10 mg (weeks 13–16), 12.5 mg (weeks 17–20), and finally 15 mg at week 21+. Each dose increase allows your body to adjust and monitors for side effects.
Is Mounjaro more expensive than Wegovy in the UK?
Costs vary by provider and dose, but Mounjaro and Wegovy are similar in price during comparable dose phases. Mounjaro's dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism may offer different results; a prescriber can advise which is more suitable for you. Individual outcomes vary significantly.
Can I get Mounjaro on the NHS?
Yes, NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS specialist weight management services. Eligibility requires referral from your GP to tier 3 services and meeting BMI/health criteria. Availability and waiting times vary by region; contact your local ICB for details.
What happens if I can't afford private Mounjaro?
Discuss options with your GP—they can refer you to NHS specialist services, which are free but may have longer waits. Some areas offer tier 2 programmes or digital weight loss tools at no cost. Your GP can advise on all available routes.
Do I need ongoing prescriptions during winding on?
Yes. Each dose is a separate prescription—you'll need a new prescription every 4 weeks as your dose increases. Private prescribers typically issue these automatically; NHS services manage them through the specialist clinic.
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.