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
Beginner Diet Plan For Weight Loss For Females
Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming, but a beginner diet plan tailored for women can make it manageable and sustainable. In the UK, the NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week through a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. This guide covers evidence-based dietary approaches, how to calculate your healthy weight target using BMI, and prescription weight management options available to eligible women in the UK. Whether you're looking to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone or exploring medication support, understanding your options is the first step toward lasting results.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Management Options
For women eligible under NHS criteria, three prescription-only weight management injections are licensed in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are not diet pills — they are injectable medications that work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Mounjaro and Wegovy are once-weekly injections; Saxenda is a daily injection. In clinical trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, whilst Wegovy showed average weight loss of around 15%. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Access is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) or private online prescribing. A licensed prescriber will assess whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable for your individual circumstances.
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 & Next Steps
The NHS route involves referral from your GP to a specialist weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas have lists of several months to over a year. The private route offers faster access through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber; costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Regardless of route, prescription weight loss medication is always used alongside dietary changes, not instead of them. Start by speaking with your GP about your weight loss goals — they can assess your health, discuss medication eligibility, and provide personalised advice. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and healthy weight range, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes if you become eligible for medication.
- 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.
What is a healthy rate of weight loss for women?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5 to 1 kg per week (1 to 2 lbs per week) for sustainable, safe weight loss. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day alongside increased physical activity. Faster weight loss is possible with medical supervision but increases the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiency.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. A GP or licensed prescriber will assess your individual eligibility following a clinical consultation. They will consider your health history, current medications, and weight loss goals.
What diet approach should I follow while using weight loss medication?
Prescription weight loss medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet (typically 500 kcal deficit per day) and regular physical activity. The NHS recommends a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Your GP or dietitian can provide personalised dietary guidance tailored to your health needs and preferences.
How long does it take to see results with GLP-1 weight loss medication?
Most people begin to see weight loss within 4 weeks of starting GLP-1 medication. Clinical trials showed that significant weight loss typically appears over 12–16 weeks as the dose is gradually increased to the maintenance level. Individual results vary; some people lose weight faster than others.
What happens to weight loss results after stopping prescription weight loss medication?
Weight loss results are maintained longer when lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) continue after stopping medication. Clinical evidence suggests that weight tends to stabilise if healthy eating and activity habits are maintained, but some weight regain may occur if these changes are not sustained. Your GP or prescriber can discuss long-term weight management strategies with you.
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.