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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Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss — What Works in the UK
Apple cider vinegar is often promoted as a natural weight loss aid, but the evidence for weight management is limited. While some small studies suggest modest benefits, results are far from assured. If you're looking for evidence-backed approaches to weight management in the UK, prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy have demonstrated significant results in clinical trials. The good news is that eligibility for these treatments depends on your BMI and health circumstances — not on diet trends. Your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss medication might be appropriate for you.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults seeking weight management in the UK, prescription medications offer more robust clinical evidence than supplements. Three prescription options are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Trial data showed approximately 15% average body weight loss at the highest dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Results vary significantly between individuals. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Medication on the NHS and Privately
NHS route: Ask your GP about referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. NHS weight loss medication is available through specialist services, though waiting lists vary by region and availability can be limited.
Private route: Online GPhC-registered pharmacies offer prescription weight loss medication following a remote clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. This typically costs £130–£320 per month depending on dose.
Before considering any weight loss approach — whether natural supplements or prescription medication — calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point. Your GP remains the best resource for personalised advice on prescription weight loss options suitable for your 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.
Does apple cider vinegar actually help with weight loss?
Some small studies suggest apple cider vinegar may have modest effects on appetite and blood sugar, but evidence is limited. Any benefit is likely minor — certainly far less than the documented effects of prescription weight loss medications. Apple cider vinegar is not a substitute for evidence-backed approaches like calorie reduction or medication.
Is apple cider vinegar safe to use regularly?
Apple cider vinegar is generally safe in normal food amounts, but drinking large quantities can damage tooth enamel and potentially interact with certain medications. Always check with your GP if you're considering regular supplementation, especially if you take diabetes medications or have digestive conditions.
What's the difference between apple cider vinegar and prescription weight loss medication?
Apple cider vinegar is a food supplement with minimal clinical evidence. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are regulated medicines with large clinical trials demonstrating significant, measurable weight loss. They require clinical assessment but deliver much more consistent results for eligible adults.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Your GP can assess your eligibility and discuss whether medication might be appropriate. Use our BMI calculator to check your starting point, then speak with your GP about options.
Can I use apple cider vinegar alongside prescription weight loss medication?
While small amounts of apple cider vinegar in food are generally safe, always inform your prescriber of any supplements or dietary changes. Some supplements can interfere with medication absorption. Your GP or prescriber can advise whether combining approaches is appropriate 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.