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
Baking Soda for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Baking soda is often promoted as a home remedy for weight loss, but there is very limited scientific evidence to support this claim. While some people believe it may help with digestion or reduce bloating, it is not an effective weight management strategy on its own. If you are looking for evidence-based approaches to lose weight, the NHS recommends lifestyle changes alongside prescription medication where eligible. For UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication is available through the NHS or private providers.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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-Approved Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you are seeking effective weight management support in the UK, prescription medications backed by clinical evidence are available. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the main GLP-1 receptor agonist options licensed for weight management in UK adults. In clinical trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight, whilst Wegovy showed average losses of approximately 15% alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Mounjaro: once-weekly injection, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg
- Wegovy: once-weekly injection, doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg
- Both are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment
- Individual results vary — these are clinical trial averages
These medications work by activating natural hormone pathways that regulate appetite and help you feel fuller after smaller meals. They are used alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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 — How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — you'll need a GP referral, though waiting lists can be lengthy and availability varies by region. Private access is through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, without needing an NHS referral.
To find out if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, speak to your GP about weight management options. Your GP can discuss whether prescription medication is right for you and signpost you to appropriate services.
- 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 baking soda actually effective for weight loss?
No. There is no reliable clinical evidence that baking soda promotes weight loss. While some claim it aids digestion or reduces bloating, these effects are not proven and do not result in meaningful weight management. If you're looking for evidence-based weight loss support, speak to your GP about medication options or lifestyle interventions.
What prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK?
The main options are Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), both once-weekly injections. Saxenda (liraglutide) is also licensed but requires daily injections. All are prescription-only and available through NHS specialist services or private providers. Individual eligibility depends on BMI and health conditions.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight losses of 15–21% of body weight over several months with Mounjaro, and approximately 15% with Wegovy — but individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the dose, how long you take the medication, your diet, and physical activity. These medications work best alongside lifestyle changes.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions), you can be referred to an NHS specialist weight management service. Access and waiting times vary by region. Your GP can discuss NHS options and regional availability. Private options are also available without NHS referral.
What should I do if I'm interested in weight loss medication?
Start by calculating your BMI using our free tool on this page, then speak to your GP about your weight management goals. Your GP can assess your health, discuss medication options, and refer you to appropriate services if suitable. Be honest about your medical history and any other medications you take.
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.