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
Are Bananas Good For Weight Loss?
Bananas can be part of a healthy weight loss plan, but they're not a clinically supported food. They're moderately high in natural sugars and calories, so portion control matters. For sustainable weight management in the UK, most people benefit from a combination of dietary changes and, if eligible, prescription support. This guide explains how bananas fit into weight loss, and what prescription options are available to you through the NHS or private healthcare.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're looking to lose weight, the NHS and private healthcare in the UK offer three prescription medications specifically licensed for weight management. These work alongside diet and exercise, not instead of them:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks at the maximum dose, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. In clinical trials, it helped participants lose an average of approximately 15% of body weight, again alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A once-daily GLP-1 injection, the longest-established option for prescription weight loss uk in the UK.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. To use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator, you can explore projected weight loss at different doses and see if prescription support might be relevant for your goals.
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.
Who Is Eligible and How to Start
You may be eligible for weight loss medication nhs if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Your GP can assess whether prescription treatment is appropriate for you and refer you to specialist nhs weight loss services. Private prescribing is also available through UK-licensed online healthcare providers if you prefer faster access. Start by calculating your BMI weight loss range using our free BMI calculator on this page, then discuss your options with your GP or a registered prescriber. Individual results vary, and medication works best combined with lifestyle changes including balanced nutrition — where bananas, in moderation, can definitely have a place.
- 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.
Are bananas good for weight loss?
Bananas can be part of a weight loss diet but aren't weight-loss foods themselves. One medium banana contains about 105 calories and 27g carbohydrates, mainly natural sugars. They're nutritious and filling, so in moderation (one per day) they fit into most weight loss plans. Portion control and overall calorie balance matter more than any single food.
How do bananas compare to other fruits for weight loss?
Bananas are moderate in calories compared to berries (lower) and dried fruit (higher). They contain beneficial fibre, potassium, and vitamin B6. For weight loss, all fruits can fit — choose what you enjoy and keep portions reasonable. Pair bananas with protein (Greek yoghurt, nuts) to feel fuller longer.
Can prescription weight loss injections help me lose weight faster than diet alone?
Yes. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are designed to support weight loss when diet and exercise are challenging alone. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over several months, significantly more than diet alone typically achieves. They reduce appetite and cravings, making it easier to stick to healthier eating habits — including balanced fruit portions.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS prescription weight loss medication is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services, usually after GP referral. Waiting lists vary by region and can be lengthy. Private prescribing offers faster access through online healthcare providers without NHS referral. Both require clinical assessment; costs differ. Talk to your GP about NHS eligibility first.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions). Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI. Then speak with your GP, who can formally assess eligibility and discuss whether prescription medication or NHS referral is appropriate for your circumstances.
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.