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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5 Ways to Increase Weight Loss on Wegovy in the UK
If you're using Wegovy (semaglutide) as a weekly weight loss injection through NHS specialist services or private prescription, you may want to optimize your results. While Wegovy is a prescription-only medication that works by reducing appetite, real-world weight loss depends on more than the injection alone. This guide explains five evidence-based strategies to support better outcomes alongside your Wegovy treatment, aligned with NHS weight management guidance and STEP clinical trial data.
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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.
How Wegovy Works and NHS Eligibility in the UK
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a weekly weight loss injection licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. In the STEP-1 clinical trial, participants using the maximum dose of 2.4 mg lost an average of approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, but results vary significantly based on individual factors and lifestyle support.
NHS eligibility is assessed through tier 3 specialist weight management services, typically after referral from your GP. The semaglutide weight loss injection is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — the medication alone does not clinically studied weight loss without these lifestyle changes.
Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to estimate potential weight loss at different doses, and our BMI calculator to track where you sit on NHS health thresholds throughout your treatment.
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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.
5 Key Strategies to Support Better Weight Loss Results
1. Follow dose escalation carefully. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg and escalates weekly through 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 1.7 mg before reaching the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Stay on each dose for the recommended time — rushing escalation may reduce tolerance and increase side effects without better results.
2. Maintain a consistent calorie deficit. Wegovy reduces appetite but doesn't prevent weight regain if calorie intake exceeds needs. Aim for a moderate deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day for sustainable loss of 0.5–1 kg weekly, the NHS-recommended safe rate.
3. Prioritize protein and fibre. Fill your meals with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. These support satiety, preserve muscle during weight loss, and help manage the common side effects like nausea and constipation.
4. Move daily. Combine cardio with resistance training. Exercise preserves muscle mass during weight loss and improves metabolic health — outcomes are better than diet alone.
5. Monitor and adjust with your prescriber. Regular check-ins with your GP or the NHS tier 3 service are essential. Track your weight loss using our free progress tracker and discuss dose adjustments or medication changes if progress stalls after 12 weeks at your current dose.
- 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 increase my Wegovy dose myself to lose weight faster?
No. Dose increases must be managed by your prescriber following the approved escalation schedule. Faster escalation risks side effects and does not improve weight loss outcomes. NHS tier 3 services and private prescribers follow the same clinical protocol — each dose is maintained for at least one week before escalating.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (~20% vs ~15%), but both are effective. Choice depends on individual tolerance, prescriber assessment, and availability through NHS or private services in your area.
Does Wegovy work better at higher doses?
The maximum dose (2.4 mg) is the recommended therapeutic dose for weight loss in the UK. Higher doses are not available, and there is no evidence that exceeding the approved protocol improves results — it only increases side effect risk. Results vary between individuals based on adherence to diet, activity, and genetic factors.
How long does it take to see weight loss results on Wegovy?
Most people notice reduced appetite within days, but measurable weight loss typically appears within 2–4 weeks. By 12 weeks on an effective dose, meaningful progress should be evident. If no weight loss occurs after 12 weeks at 2.4 mg alongside diet and exercise, discuss this with your prescriber.
Can I use Wegovy on the NHS and what is the typical waiting time?
Wegovy is NHS-licensed and available through tier 3 specialist weight management services following GP referral. Waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB funding — some areas have waits of several months to over a year. Private prescription routes are faster but involve direct costs. Your GP can advise on NHS availability in your area.
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.