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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Acupressure for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Acupressure is a traditional complementary therapy based on applying pressure to specific body points. While some people explore acupressure for weight loss in the UK, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. If you're interested in weight management, it's worth understanding both complementary approaches and clinically proven options available through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide outlines the evidence on acupressure and introduces prescription weight loss medication that may be suitable for eligible UK adults.
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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.
Acupressure and Weight Loss — What Research Shows
Acupressure is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and involves applying a UK pharmacy pressure to specific points on the body. Proponents claim it can stimulate metabolism, reduce appetite, and support weight loss. However, scientific evidence for acupressure as a standalone weight loss treatment is weak. Most rigorous clinical trials show acupressure has minimal effect on weight compared to placebo. The British Acupuncture Council acknowledges that while acupressure may support general wellbeing, it is not recommended as a primary weight management strategy.
Any weight loss experienced alongside acupressure is more likely due to increased health awareness, dietary changes, or placebo effect rather than the acupressure itself. For UK adults seeking evidence-based weight management, prescription options with proven clinical efficacy—including GLP-1 weight loss injections—are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following clinical assessment.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three licensed options are available: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Clinical trials show these medications help participants lose 15–21% of body weight on average when combined with dietary changes and physical activity. Access is through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services or private online prescribing with a UK-licensed prescriber. Your GP can discuss eligibility and refer you to appropriate services.
- 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 acupressure effective for weight loss?
Scientific evidence is limited. Most rigorous clinical trials show acupressure has minimal weight loss effect compared to placebo. While it may support general wellbeing, acupressure alone is not recommended as a primary weight management strategy by NHS or major health organisations.
What prescription weight loss options are available in the UK?
Three medications are licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight. These require a prescription following clinical assessment and are used alongside diet and exercise changes.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea), may be eligible. Lower BMI thresholds apply to South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility.
How do I access weight loss medication through the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. NHS access varies by region and availability. Private prescribing through GPhC-registered pharmacies is also available without NHS referral. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 services via GP referral—waiting lists vary by region. Private access is through online clinical assessment with a UK prescriber and GPhC pharmacy. Both require clinical assessment; private options are typically faster but involve personal cost. Check your BMI using our free calculator to understand your starting point.
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.