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 Pistachio Nuts Good For Weight Loss?
Pistachio nuts can be part of a healthy weight management strategy due to their protein content and lower calorie density compared to many other nuts. However, portion control matters — nuts are calorie-dense foods. For adults looking to lose weight in the UK, a combination of dietary changes like portion-controlled snacking alongside increased physical activity is effective. For some people, prescription weight loss medication may also be an option worth discussing with your GP.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you're exploring weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing. Three main GLP-1 medications are licensed for weight loss:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, given as a once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, also a once-weekly injection. Evidence from STEP trials demonstrated approximately 15% average body weight loss.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 agonist given as a daily injection, with average weight loss around 5–10% of body weight.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss outcomes at different doses. Individual results vary significantly based on your baseline weight, adherence to medication, diet, and exercise.
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.
Eligibility and How to Access Weight Loss Support in the UK
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly.
NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP. Waiting times vary by region; some areas have lengthy delays.
Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, available without NHS referral. A clinical assessment determines suitability.
Speaking with your GP is the first step — they can discuss whether medication is appropriate for you and provide guidance on local NHS services or support accessing private options.
- 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 pistachio nuts low in calories?
Pistachios contain about 160 calories per ounce (28g), making them moderate in calories compared to other nuts. They're lower than macadamia nuts but slightly higher than almonds. Portion control is key — a small handful (around 23 pistachios) fits into a calorie-controlled diet, but eating from the bag without measuring can lead to overconsumption.
Can nuts alone help with weight loss?
No single food causes weight loss. Nuts can support weight management as part of a balanced diet because they provide protein and healthy fats that promote fullness. However, sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit overall, combined with increased physical activity and consistent habits over time.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with approximately 15% average weight loss. Individual response varies; your prescriber will assess which is more suitable.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP can assess your eligibility and, if appropriate, refer you to a specialist weight management service. Availability varies by region, and waiting lists can be long in some areas.
Can I get weight loss injections privately in the UK without seeing my GP?
Yes. Private prescribing is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. You don't need an NHS referral. However, it's still advisable to inform your GP, especially if you're taking other medications, as weight loss medication can interact with some treatments.
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.