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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Does Ashwagandha Help with Weight Loss?
Ashwagandha is an ancient herbal supplement often promoted for stress relief and general wellness, but the evidence for direct weight loss is limited. If you're looking for clinically-proven weight management support in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have strong clinical evidence. This guide explains what ashwagandha is, what research shows, and explores evidence-based prescription weight loss options available to eligible UK adults through NHS weight management services or private prescribing.
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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 in the UK
If you're interested in weight management in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications have been clinically tested and approved by the MHRA. These are far more proven than herbal supplements:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical evidence demonstrated approximately 15% average body weight loss alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection with evidence of modest but measurable weight loss in clinical trials.
All are prescription-only and require clinical assessment to determine suitability. Unlike supplements, these medications work through hormonal pathways that influence appetite and food intake. You can use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different dose levels.
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.
NHS vs Private Access and Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is via tier 3 specialist weight management services — you'll typically need a GP referral and may face waiting lists of several months depending on your region. Private access is available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical consultation, with quicker turnaround.
To find out if you're eligible, use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point. You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea. Start by speaking with your GP about weight management options suitable for your circumstances.
- 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.
Is ashwagandha proven to cause weight loss?
Ashwagandha may support stress reduction, which can indirectly help with weight management. However, evidence for direct weight loss is limited and modest. The herb is not licensed as a weight loss medication in the UK. If you're seeking clinically-proven weight management support, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have robust clinical evidence from large-scale trials.
What makes prescription weight loss injections different from supplements?
Prescription weight loss medications are approved by the MHRA and have undergone rigorous clinical trials with documented outcomes. They work through hormonal mechanisms that actively regulate appetite and food intake. Supplements like ashwagandha lack this level of clinical evidence for weight loss specifically. Prescription medications require a clinical assessment to ensure they're safe for you.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults due to higher health risks at lower BMI. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual eligibility.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Average weight loss in clinical trials ranged from 15–21% of body weight depending on the medication and dose. However, individual results vary significantly. Weight loss medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. No medication assures specific outcomes — your GP or prescriber can discuss realistic expectations based on your circumstances.
How do I access prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. They'll assess you for eligibility and may prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy, or other approved options. Waiting times vary by region. Alternatively, you can access private prescribing through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers if you prefer a faster route. Both pathways require a clinical assessment.
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.