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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Does matcha tea help with weight loss?
Matcha tea has become popular as a natural weight loss aid, but the reality is more nuanced than marketing claims suggest. Whilst matcha contains beneficial compounds and may offer modest metabolic support, it's not a standalone weight loss solution. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription options are available for eligible adults through NHS weight management services or private prescribing. Understanding what matcha can and cannot do—and exploring medical options if needed—is key to sustainable weight loss.
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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 medication options
If you're interested in weight loss medication in the UK, three prescription options are currently licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works by activating two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), helping to reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection that slows gastric emptying and reduces food cravings. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, the longest-established option for weight management in the UK.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. They work best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly, and not everyone will respond equally to these medications.
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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.
Who is eligible and how to access treatment
In the UK, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. People of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds may qualify at lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks at the same weight.
Access is available through two routes: your GP can refer you to an NHS specialist tier 3 weight management service (though waiting lists vary by region), or you can access private prescribing through a UK-licensed online prescriber following a clinical assessment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to check your current BMI category.
- 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 matcha tea alone help you lose weight?
Matcha contains caffeine and compounds like EGCG that may provide a small metabolic boost and support fat oxidation. However, these effects are modest—matcha is not a weight loss solution on its own. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and behaviour change. Matcha can be part of a healthy diet but should not be relied upon as a primary weight loss strategy.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) activates only the GLP-1 pathway. In clinical trials, Mounjaro participants lost slightly more weight on average (15–21% vs 15% body weight). Both are once-weekly injections, but Mounjaro has a higher maximum dose. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP can assess your eligibility and refer you to NHS specialist services, or you can have a private clinical assessment with an online prescriber. Use our BMI calculator to check your current category.
What is the NHS waiting time for weight loss medication?
NHS waiting times for specialist tier 3 weight management services vary significantly by region and ICB. Some areas have waiting lists of several months; others may take a year or longer. Private prescribing options are typically available within days of a clinical assessment, though costs apply. Your GP can tell you about local NHS availability.
Do weight loss injections like Mounjaro work without diet and exercise changes?
No. Weight loss medications are most effective when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Clinical trial results showing 15–clinically studied weight loss were achieved in participants who also made lifestyle changes. Medication supports weight loss by reducing appetite and cravings, but sustainable results require long-term behaviour change. Track your progress using our free progress tracker.
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.