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 Smoothies Good for Weight Loss?
Smoothies can be part of a healthy weight loss plan, but their effectiveness depends entirely on what's in them and how they fit into your overall calorie intake. A nutrient-dense smoothie with protein and fibre may help you feel fuller longer, supporting weight management. However, many shop-bought smoothies contain hidden sugars and excess calories that work against weight loss goals. For adults in the UK struggling with weight loss despite dietary changes, prescription weight loss medication may be worth discussing with your GP — options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available to eligible individuals through NHS specialist services or private prescription.
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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.
Smoothies and Weight Loss: What the Evidence Shows
Smoothies can support weight loss when made carefully. A homemade smoothie containing Greek yoghurt, frozen berries, leafy greens, and ground flaxseed delivers protein and fibre — both nutrients that promote satiety and help prevent overeating later in the day. Research suggests that adding protein to your diet supports muscle retention during weight loss and may slightly increase metabolic rate.
However, commercial smoothies are often problematic for weight loss. Many contain 30–50g of sugar from fruit juices, honey, and syrups — equivalent to several chocolates — alongside 300–500 kcal per serving. Even "healthy" smoothie bowls topped with granola and coconut can exceed 600 kcal. For sustainable weight management, you need a consistent calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day — which can be easily undermined by a single high-sugar smoothie.
- Homemade smoothies with whole fruit, protein powder, and vegetables are better for weight loss
- Avoid added sugars, syrups, and juice concentrates
- Use the MyWeightCheck weight loss calculator to understand how different foods fit into your calorie 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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you've made dietary changes but are struggling to lose weight, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through the NHS or private prescription. Three medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection; clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% body weight
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option
Eligibility is based on BMI and health conditions. Your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss medication is right for you, or you can seek a private clinical assessment. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above, then speak to your GP about available options in your area.
- 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 homemade smoothies better than shop-bought ones for weight loss?
Yes. Homemade smoothies give you control over ingredients — you can skip added sugars, syrups, and excess fruit juice. A homemade smoothie with Greek yoghurt, berries, spinach, and protein powder typically contains 200–300 kcal and supports satiety. Shop-bought smoothies often contain 400–600 kcal and 30–50g of sugar, which works against weight loss goals.
Can smoothies replace meals when losing weight?
A smoothie can replace breakfast if it contains adequate protein (20–25g) and fibre, keeping you satisfied until lunch. However, relying solely on smoothies creates nutrient gaps and may lead to overeating later. For sustainable weight management uk, smoothies work best as one component of a balanced diet, not as a meal replacement strategy.
How do smoothies fit into a calorie deficit for weight loss?
Weight loss requires a calorie deficit — typically 500 kcal daily for around 0.5 kg weekly loss. A 250-kcal homemade smoothie fits easily into this deficit; a 500-kcal shop-bought smoothie uses half your deficit in one drink. Use our free weight converter and BMI calculator to understand your healthy weight range, then track smoothie calories within your daily allowance.
What if I've tried diet changes but still can't lose weight?
If smoothies and dietary changes haven't worked after several months, prescription weight loss medication may help. Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available through nhs weight loss services or private prescription to eligible adults. Ask your GP whether you qualify, or use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore whether medication might support your goals.
How much weight can I expect to lose with smoothies and healthy eating alone?
Realistic weight loss through diet and exercise is 0.5–1 kg per week. Using a smoothie as a healthy breakfast within a calorie deficit supports steady progress. However, individual results vary. If you're not seeing results after 8–12 weeks of consistent effort, discuss weight loss medication with your GP — prescription options have stronger clinical evidence for significant weight loss.
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.