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 Cashew Nuts Good For Weight Loss?
Cashew nuts are calorie-dense but can fit into a balanced weight management plan. While nuts provide healthy fats and protein, they're not a weight loss solution on their own. For people struggling with sustained weight loss, the NHS recognises several evidence-based approaches beyond nutrition alone, including prescription medications. If you've tried diet and lifestyle changes, your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss medication might support your weight management journey.
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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 in the UK and have tried dietary approaches like managing cashew nut intake, prescription medications are available for eligible adults. Three GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications are licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 injection, once weekly, doses 2.5–15 mg. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection, once weekly, doses 0.25–2.4 mg. Studies demonstrated approximately 15% average weight loss.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 injection, once daily, doses 0.6–3 mg.
All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment. Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Individual results vary significantly.
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.
Getting Started With Your GP
To find out if prescription weight loss medication is right for you, start by speaking with your GP. They can discuss your weight loss history, assess your BMI, and refer you to specialist weight management services if appropriate. The NHS provides weight loss support through three tiers: self-help tools, primary care interventions, and specialist services where medications are prescribed. Availability varies by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in some areas. Alternatively, private prescribing services offer faster access through online clinical assessments. Either way, medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not as a replacement for lifestyle change.
- 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 cashew nuts good for weight loss on their own?
Cashew nuts are nutrient-dense but calorie-dense (approximately 570 kcal per 100g). A small handful can fit into a balanced diet, but nuts alone don't promote weight loss. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, typically achieved through overall diet and exercise rather than single foods. If you're struggling with sustained weight loss, your GP can discuss other approaches.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only GLP-1-based injections available in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist reaching 15 mg maximum, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist reaching 2.4 mg. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs approximately 15%). Both require weekly injections and clinical assessment. Your prescriber will advise which suits you best.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see where you stand. Speak with your GP or contact a private prescriber for a full assessment.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS access is through tier 3 specialist weight management services (typically via GP referral), with availability varying significantly by region and potential waiting lists. Private services offer faster access through online prescribers following a clinical consultation, though at personal cost (typically £129–£320 monthly depending on dose). Both routes require a valid prescription and clinical assessment.
Will prescription weight loss medication work without lifestyle changes?
No. GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications are most effective alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Clinical trials show best results when medication is combined with behaviour change. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to monitor both dietary habits and weight changes over time.
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.