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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Best Dinner For Weight Loss — UK Health Guide
Choosing the right dinner is one of the most effective ways to support weight loss, but for many adults, dietary changes alone aren't enough. The good news is that the UK now offers several prescription weight management options alongside lifestyle changes. This guide covers practical dinner strategies and explains how prescription medication like Mounjaro and Wegovy can support your weight loss journey when you're eligible.
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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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options for Dinner Support
If you're struggling with weight management through diet alone, prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK for eligible adults. Three main options are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works via dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanisms, helping regulate appetite and fullness signals
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection that may help reduce food cravings and support smaller meal portions
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection for those who prefer more frequent dosing
In clinical trials, these medications helped people lose an average of 15–21% of body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss at different doses. However, prescription medication is only suitable if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
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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 Get Started
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically reached via GP referral. However, NHS waiting lists vary significantly by region, and some areas have limited availability. Private access is available immediately through GPhC-registered online prescribing services, requiring only an online clinical assessment — no NHS referral needed.
Your first step is to speak with your GP about your weight loss goals. They can assess whether prescription medication is appropriate for you, discuss your dinner habits and dietary patterns, and either refer you to NHS services or advise you on private options. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, then have that conversation with confidence.
Q1: Can I lose weight just by changing what I eat for dinner? A1: Yes, dinner changes can help significantly, especially if you're in a calorie deficit. However, weight loss depends on overall daily intake, not just dinner. NHS guidance recommends a 500 kcal daily deficit for sustainable loss of around 0.5 kg per week. For some people, this is achievable through diet and exercise alone. For others — particularly those with BMI ≥30 or weight-related health conditions — prescription medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy can provide additional support. Q2: What should a healthy weight loss dinner look like? A2: A balanced dinner typically includes lean protein (fish, chicken, pulses), plenty of vegetables (at least half your plate), and a controlled portion of complex carbohydrates. The NHS recommends aiming for dinners around 500–600 kcal as part of a 2000–2500 kcal daily intake. Portion control matters — using smaller plates and eating slowly can help. GLP-1 medications naturally support smaller portions by enhancing fullness signals. Q3: Am I eligible for weight loss injections on the NHS? A3: You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may be eligible at slightly lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility and refer you to specialist services if appropriate. Q4: How quickly will weight loss medication work alongside dietary changes? A4: Most people notice appetite changes within 1–2 weeks of starting Mounjaro or Wegovy, though weight loss timelines vary significantly. Clinical trials showed average losses of 15–21% body weight over 68–72 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Results are individual — some people see faster progress than others depending on genetics, baseline weight, and lifestyle adherence. Q5: Do I have to stay on weight loss medication forever? A5: This depends on your personal health goals and how your weight responds. Some people use medication as a temporary support while building new eating habits; others continue longer-term if they maintain good results. Stopping medication can result in weight regain in some people. Your prescriber will discuss the duration with you based on your health outcomes and whether you've achieved your 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.
What is BMI and how is it calculated?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. It's the standard screening tool used by the NHS to assess whether adults are a healthy weight.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution. Athletes may have a high BMI without excess fat. The NHS recommends using BMI alongside waist circumference for a more complete picture.
What are GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications that mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and help with weight loss. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the two most widely used for weight management in the UK.
Am I eligible for GLP-1 weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, you need a BMI of 30+ (obese) or 27+ with a weight-related health condition. You must be 18 or over. Use our BMI calculator to check.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with up to 22.5% weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1-only with up to 15-17% weight loss. Both are weekly injections.
Is this website free to use?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up required. All tools work instantly in your browser and no personal data is stored on our servers.
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.