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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Are protein drinks good for weight loss?
Protein drinks can be a helpful tool for weight management when used as part of a reduced-calorie diet, as protein helps you feel fuller for longer. However, their effectiveness depends on your overall calorie intake and lifestyle. For UK adults struggling with weight management, prescription medication options are now available through the NHS and private prescribing. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore whether medication might support your goals alongside dietary changes like protein supplementation.
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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.
Protein drinks and weight loss: what the evidence shows
Protein drinks can support weight loss efforts by increasing satiety (feeling full longer), reducing snacking, and helping preserve muscle mass during calorie restriction. A high-protein diet typically requires a calorie deficit to work — protein alone doesn't cause weight loss, but it makes maintaining a deficit easier.
- High protein intake (1.2–1.6g per kg body weight) helps retain lean muscle during weight loss
- Protein has higher thermic effect than carbohydrates or fat — your body burns more calories digesting it
- Meal replacement shakes can reduce overall calorie intake if they replace higher-calorie meals
- Whole food protein sources (chicken, fish, eggs, beans) are often more filling than drinks alone
However, many commercial protein drinks are high in sugar or artificial sweeteners. Always check nutrition labels and choose products with minimal added sugar. Protein drinks work best as part of a structured approach to weight management UK — not as a standalone solution.
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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 medication: NHS and private options
If protein drinks and lifestyle changes aren't achieving your goals, prescription weight loss medication is now available in the UK for eligible adults. Three GLP-1 medications are licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These work alongside dietary changes — not instead of them — and clinical trials show patients on prescription weight loss medication lose significantly more weight than with diet alone.
Eligibility: Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may qualify. Access is through NHS specialist weight management services (waiting lists vary by region) or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you stand, then speak with your GP about your 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.
Can I lose weight just by drinking protein shakes?
Not without a calorie deficit. Protein drinks help you feel fuller and preserve muscle, but you still need to consume fewer calories than you burn. They're a tool to make calorie restriction easier, not a weight loss solution on their own.
How much protein do I need daily for weight loss?
For weight loss, aim for 1.2–1.6g of protein per kg of your body weight per day. This supports muscle retention during a calorie deficit. Your GP or a registered dietitian can give personalised guidance based on your health.
Are there prescription weight loss options available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. Three GLP-1 medications are licensed: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Access is through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Your GP can refer you for assessment if you meet eligibility criteria.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS access requires referral to a specialist service and can involve waiting lists. Private prescribing is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment, with no referral needed — though there is a cost. Both require a proper prescription and clinical evaluation.
How do GLP-1 weight loss injections work with diet and protein?
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy reduce appetite and help you feel fuller on smaller portions. They're most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — protein drinks can still play a role in your overall nutrition plan.
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.