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 Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Female UK Guide
Protein powder is a popular supplement for weight management in the UK, but prescription weight loss medication may be more effective for eligible women. While protein supports muscle retention during weight loss, prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer clinical evidence for significant weight reduction. This guide explains how protein fits into weight management, who qualifies for prescription weight loss medication, and how to explore both approaches with your GP.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications are available for eligible women. These work differently to protein supplements—they address appetite regulation and food cravings directly:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — Dual GIP and GLP-1 injection, once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 injection, once weekly. Weight loss injections UK trials demonstrated approximately 15% average body weight loss at the highest dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 injection, once daily. Older option, effective but requires daily administration.
These are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment. Access through NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing clinics. Individual results vary significantly.
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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 Qualifies and How to Access Treatment
In the UK, women may qualify for weight management medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI instantly. NHS weight loss services are accessed through your GP, though waiting times vary by region. Private weight loss medication is available through online prescribing clinics without an NHS referral. Any prescription requires assessment by a UK-licensed healthcare professional—protein supplements do not replace medical assessment.
- 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.
Is protein powder enough for weight loss?
Protein powder supports muscle retention and satiety but doesn't address the hormonal drivers of appetite. For significant weight loss, combining protein with a reduced-calorie diet works better. Women with a BMI over 30 or weight-related health conditions may benefit from prescription medication alongside diet—discuss with your GP.
How do GLP-1 injections compare to protein supplements?
GLP-1 medications work on appetite hormones; protein is a food supplement. Clinical trials show GLP-1 medications produce 15–21% average body weight loss, whereas protein alone typically supports modest loss (0.5–1kg weekly with calorie deficit). Many women use both—protein for nutrition, medication for appetite control.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes. If eligible (BMI ≥30 or 27+ with health conditions), ask your GP about referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. NHS access is free but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private options are available if NHS waiting lists are long.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist with higher average weight loss (15–21%). Wegovy is GLP-1 only (approximately 15%). Mounjaro has a higher maximum dose (15mg vs 2.4mg). Both are once-weekly. Choice depends on clinical assessment and individual factors.
Should I use my BMI to decide if I need medication?
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations—it doesn't account for muscle or fat distribution. Use our free BMI calculator to check yours, but for personalised advice on whether weight loss medication is right for you, speak to your GP or a licensed prescriber.
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.