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
Does Beetroot Help With Weight Loss? A UK Health Perspective
Beetroot is nutritious and may support general health, but weight loss requires a sustained calorie deficit. While beetroot contains fibre and nutrients, sustainable weight management in the UK often benefits from combining lifestyle changes with prescription weight loss medication for eligible adults. If you're looking for clinically proven support, your GP can discuss weight management options available through the NHS or private prescribing. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight status and whether you might benefit from professional guidance.
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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 Available in the UK
For adults struggling with weight management, the UK has three prescription-only weight loss injections licensed for clinical use. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — clinical trials showed it helps patients lose an average of 15–21% of body weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection; the STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option.
These medications are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. They work alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not as replacements. Individual results vary, and they're most effective when combined with lifestyle changes including balanced nutrition, hydration, and regular movement.
Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes if you're considering prescription weight management options.
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 — Finding the Right Path for You
In the UK, weight loss medication access routes vary. Through the NHS, your GP can refer you to a tier 3 specialist weight management service where prescription medications may be considered if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. NHS waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
Privately, UK-licensed prescribers assess eligibility following an online consultation, and medications are dispensed by registered pharmacies. This route avoids NHS waiting lists but involves costs ranging from approximately £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Either way, a clinical assessment is essential. Speak with your GP about whether prescription weight loss support might suit your situation — they can discuss your eligibility, health history, and which option works best for you.
- 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 beetroot alone help me lose weight?
Beetroot is nutritious and contains fibre, which supports satiety, but weight loss fundamentally requires a sustained calorie deficit. Beetroot is part of a healthy diet but isn't a weight loss solution on its own. A balanced approach combining whole foods, portion control, physical activity, and professional support works best.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1-only medication. Clinical trials show Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (up to 21% body weight vs 15% for Wegovy). Both require prescriptions and are taken once weekly. Individual results vary significantly.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. You'll need referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Some regions have longer waiting lists than others.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trial averages show 15–clinically studied weight loss over several months, though individual results vary significantly. Results depend on dose, adherence, diet, activity level, and personal metabolism. Your prescriber will discuss realistic expectations based on your health profile.
How do I find out if prescription weight loss treatment is right for me?
Start by speaking with your GP. They can assess your health, discuss your weight loss goals, explain NHS options, and refer you to specialist services if appropriate. Alternatively, you can access private prescribing through UK-licensed online services following a clinical consultation. Use our BMI calculator to understand your starting point before that conversation.
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.