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
10 Pound Weight Loss: UK Prescription Medication Options
A 10 pound weight loss (approximately 4.5 kg) can deliver real health benefits, including improved blood pressure and better blood sugar control. If you're interested in prescription weight management options in the UK, you have several choices available through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explains what medications are available, who qualifies, and how to access them. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with prescription medication, and talk to your GP about whether weight loss medication might be right for you.
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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medications Available Now
Three prescription-only medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management in eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that may help reduce appetite and support weight loss at doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly at doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. Clinical trial data demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 injection given once daily at doses up to 3 mg. This is the oldest of the three options and was the first GLP-1 weight loss medication approved in the UK.
All three medications work by affecting hormones that regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. They are prescription-only medicines that require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. Your weight loss with any of these medications will depend on your starting weight, the dose you reach, your diet, and physical activity levels.
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 Access and Getting Started
NHS route: If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be eligible through NHS specialist weight management services. Referral comes from your GP, though waiting lists and regional availability vary significantly. Many areas have substantial waiting times.
Private route: GPhC-registered online prescribing services offer faster access without waiting for NHS referral. A licensed prescriber conducts an online clinical assessment, and if suitable, issues a prescription dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
To find out if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above, then contact your GP to discuss weight loss options for your specific circumstances.
- 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.
Can I lose 10 pounds in a week with weight loss medication?
No. The NHS recommends safe weight loss of 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week. Losing 10 pounds (4.5 kg) would typically take 4–9 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Weight loss medications support this process but don't work overnight. Individual results vary based on starting weight, medication dose, diet, and exercise.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Both are once-weekly injections. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs ~15%), but individual results vary significantly. A prescriber can advise which is more suitable for you.
Do I need a prescription to buy weight loss injections in the UK?
Yes. All weight loss injections approved in the UK—Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda—are prescription-only medicines. You cannot buy them over the counter or without a clinical assessment from a licensed UK prescriber. This applies to both NHS and private routes.
Am I eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
Eligibility depends on your BMI and health conditions. Generally, you may qualify if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may have lower thresholds. Ask your GP about referral to your local tier 3 weight management service.
How long do I need to take weight loss medication?
This depends on your goals and how you respond. Some people take medication long-term to maintain weight loss; others use it for a defined period alongside lifestyle changes. Weight regain can occur after stopping medication if diet and exercise habits don't support maintaining the loss. Your prescriber will discuss the right approach for you.
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.