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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Beginner Weight Loss Workout and Prescription Medication Options in the UK
Starting a beginner weight loss workout is an excellent first step, but many people in the UK find that combining exercise with prescription weight management options gives them better results. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be eligible for NHS weight loss medication or private prescription options. This guide explains how workouts fit alongside UK-licensed weight loss medications, how to check your eligibility, and what support is available through your GP.
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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 Weight Loss Medications for Beginners
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These work by helping regulate appetite and reducing food cravings, making it easier to stick to a beginner weight loss workout routine and maintain a reduced-calorie diet.
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight in clinical trials. Wegovy is also once-weekly and achieved approximately 15% average weight loss. Saxenda is a daily injection with similar results. All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine if they're suitable for you.
These medications work alongside exercise and dietary changes — they are not replacements for a beginner weight loss workout, but rather support tools that can make lifestyle changes feel more manageable. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected results 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 and How to Check Your Eligibility
In the UK, access to weight loss medication comes through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private prescription. NHS access is typically through tier 3 or 4 weight management services following a GP referral, though availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
To check if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible. Contact your GP to discuss NHS options, or consult a private prescriber to explore private medication routes. Either way, combining medication with regular beginner-friendly exercise, like brisk walking or low-impact aerobics, creates a sustainable approach to weight management and nhs weight loss goals.
- 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 I take prescription weight loss medication while doing a beginner weight loss workout?
Yes. In fact, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to be used alongside exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. They support your beginner workout routine by reducing appetite and cravings, making it easier to maintain consistent exercise and healthy eating habits.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be eligible. Contact your GP to ask about referral to specialist weight management services in your area.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for beginners?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs 15%) in clinical trials. Wegovy has been available longer. Both require prescription and clinical assessment. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option for you.
How long does it take to see results from prescription weight loss medication?
Most people see noticeable appetite reduction within 1–2 weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically becomes visible around weeks 4–8. Results vary between individuals. Medication works best when combined with a beginner weight loss workout routine and consistent dietary changes.
Can I get weight loss medication privately if I'm not eligible for NHS treatment?
Yes. Private prescription weight loss medication is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route does not require NHS referral, though costs vary by dose and provider (typically £129–£320 per month).
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.