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 Drinks for Weight Loss and UK Prescription Options
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink matters — but the "best" drink depends on your situation. Water, green tea, and black coffee can support weight management uk efforts by reducing calorie intake, but for many people in the UK, prescription weight loss medication offers a more effective option. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 with weight-related health conditions, GLP-1 weight loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may be available to you. This guide covers both dietary drinks and prescription options available through NHS weight loss services or private prescribing.
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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.
Drinks That Support Weight Management
Water is the most effective drink for weight loss — it has zero calories, supports hydration, and can help you feel fuller. Studies suggest drinking water before meals may reduce overall calorie intake.
- Water — drink 6–8 glasses daily; some evidence suggests water before meals supports satiety
- Green tea — contains caffeine and catechins; may provide a small metabolic boost (roughly 50–100 extra calories burned daily)
- Black coffee — caffeine increases alertness and may slightly increase calorie burn; avoid adding sugar or cream
- Herbal teas — chamomile, peppermint, ginger tea are calorie-free and may aid digestion
However, drinks alone rarely produce significant weight loss without accompanying dietary and lifestyle changes. For sustainable weight management uk results, the NHS recommends combining dietary changes with physical activity and, if eligible, prescription support.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss: UK Options for Eligible Adults
For people living with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions, GLP-1 weight loss injections may be available through NHS services or private prescribing. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the most commonly prescribed options in the UK.
- Mounjaro — dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist; typical weight loss 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks
- Wegovy — GLP-1 receptor agonist; average weight loss approximately 15% body weight
These are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. NHS access is through specialist weight loss services (tier 3), while private prescribing is available online. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential results at different doses. Always speak to your GP about eligibility and whether prescription weight loss medication is right 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.
What drink burns the most calories for weight loss?
Water burns the most calories relative to its content (zero calories consumed, supports hydration and satiety). Green tea and black coffee may provide a small metabolic boost of 50–100 calories daily due to caffeine, but this is modest. No drink alone produces significant weight loss without dietary changes.
Is NHS weight loss medication available for everyone in the UK?
No. Prescription weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available to UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnoea). Access through NHS requires referral to specialist services; private prescribing is also available.
How do prescription weight loss injections work differently from diet and exercise?
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications work by activating hormone pathways that reduce appetite, increase satiety, and slow gastric emptying. Clinical trials show they support weight loss of 15–21% body weight when combined with reduced-calorie diet and physical activity — significantly more than diet and exercise alone for many people.
Can I get weight loss medication through my GP on the NHS?
In most cases, prescription weight loss medication is initiated through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not routine GP prescribing. Your GP can refer you to these services if you meet eligibility criteria. NHS availability and waiting times vary significantly by region (ICB). Private prescribing through GPhC-registered pharmacies offers faster access.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist showing average weight loss of 15–21% body weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss around 15% body weight. Both are once-weekly injections. Clinical trial results vary; individual outcomes depend on dose, adherence, and lifestyle factors. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable.
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.