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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Can Bananas Help with Weight Loss?
Bananas are often discussed in weight loss conversations, but they're actually a nutritious whole food that can fit into a balanced diet. While no single food causes weight loss or gain, understanding calorie density and nutrition is important. For adults in the UK looking to manage their weight effectively, prescription medication options are now available alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. We'll explore what the evidence shows about bananas, and outline the prescription weight management options that eligible adults can access.
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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.
Bananas, Calories, and Weight Management
A medium banana (around 105g) contains approximately 89 calories and 27g of carbohydrates, making it a moderately calorie-dense fruit. Bananas are high in resistant starch and fibre, particularly when slightly green, which may help with feelings of fullness. However, weight loss ultimately depends on overall calorie intake and expenditure, not individual foods.
- Medium banana: ~89 calories
- Rich in potassium and B vitamins
- Higher sugar content than some fruits (around 12g per medium banana)
- Can be included in a calorie-controlled diet
Bananas can be part of healthy weight management, but eating bananas alone will not cause weight loss. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day alongside increased physical activity. For adults in the UK struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, prescription options are available. Calculate your starting point using our free BMI calculator to understand your weight management needs.
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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
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Prescription Weight Loss Options in the UK
Adults in the UK who meet eligibility criteria can now access prescription weight loss medications through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These include GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), which work by regulating appetite and supporting feelings of fullness — going far beyond what dietary changes alone can achieve.
- NHS access: Through tier 3 specialist weight management services (referral from GP required)
- Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, no NHS referral needed
- Eligibility: BMI 30+ or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions
- Clinical evidence: Participants in trials lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 68 weeks
Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes with prescription weight loss medication. Your GP can assess whether this option is appropriate for your individual 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.
Are bananas bad for weight loss?
No — bananas are not inherently bad for weight loss. They contain beneficial fibre and nutrients. A medium banana fits into a calorie-controlled diet. Weight loss depends on overall calorie intake, not avoiding specific whole foods like bananas.
Can eating bananas help you lose weight?
Eating bananas alone will not cause weight loss. However, bananas contain resistant starch and fibre that may support satiety. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal daily, combined with increased physical activity and consistent dietary changes.
What are the best prescription weight loss options in the UK?
UK-licensed prescription options include Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) — both GLP-1 medications. Eligible adults can access these through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. These medications are significantly more effective than dietary changes alone for many people.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Speak to your GP who can assess your BMI, health history, and weight-related conditions. You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30+ or 27–29.9 with conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Private prescribing services also offer online assessments without requiring an NHS referral.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access requires a GP referral to a tier 3 specialist service and may involve waiting lists. Private access is faster — you can access online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers without NHS referral. Both require a clinical assessment to confirm suitability before prescription.
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.