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
Berberine Reviews for Weight Loss — What UK Evidence Shows
Berberine is a natural alkaloid compound found in plants like barberry and turmeric. While some online reviews claim it supports weight loss, the evidence in humans remains limited. If you're interested in weight management in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications with stronger clinical evidence are available through NHS services or private prescribing. This guide explains what berberine research shows and introduces the approved prescription options that may be more effective for eligible UK adults.
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 Weight Loss Medications — Evidence-Based Alternatives
If you're considering weight loss options in the UK, three prescription medications have strong clinical evidence and are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection taken once weekly. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, making it among the most effective options for eligible adults.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection also given once weekly. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% at the maximum dose, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection. Effective for weight management, though results tend to be slightly more modest than the once-weekly options.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. Unlike supplements with limited human evidence, these medications have undergone rigorous testing in large clinical trials.
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 Start Your Weight Loss Journey
NHS route: Speak to your GP about referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly.
Private route: GPhC-registered online prescribing services offer consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. If clinically appropriate, you'll receive a prescription dispensed by a registered pharmacy. This route doesn't require NHS referral.
Your GP can discuss which approach suits your circumstances and health profile. Weight loss medication works best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — track your progress with our free progress tracker.
- 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.
Does berberine work for weight loss in humans?
Berberine has shown promise in some animal studies and small human trials for metabolic health, but evidence for weight loss in humans is limited and mixed. Larger, rigorous clinical trials are needed. In contrast, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have robust clinical trial data demonstrating significant average weight loss.
What's the difference between berberine and prescription weight loss injections?
Berberine is a natural supplement with limited human evidence for weight loss. Prescription weight loss medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda) are licensed medicines with extensive clinical trial data, medical oversight, and regulated quality. They work through hormone pathways that affect appetite and metabolism.
Can I get berberine on the NHS?
Berberine is a supplement, not a prescription medication, so it's not available on the NHS. However, if you're eligible, the NHS offers prescription weight loss treatments like Mounjaro and Wegovy through specialist weight management services, which have proven clinical effectiveness.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults may have lower thresholds. Your GP can assess your eligibility and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
How can I find out which weight loss option is right for me?
Start by speaking with your GP or a licensed prescriber. They'll review your health history, discuss your weight management goals, and explain which prescription options suit you. You can also use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore projected outcomes at different doses alongside your medical consultation.
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.