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 Rice for Weight Loss — What You Should Know
When it comes to weight loss in the UK, food choices like rice matter, but they're only part of the picture. Whilst brown rice and basmati can be part of a healthy, reduced-calorie diet, prescription weight management options are now available through the NHS and private prescribers for eligible adults. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, you may qualify for medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy. This guide explores both dietary approaches and the prescription weight loss options available to you.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medication Available in the UK
For adults struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription medications are an evidence-based option alongside dietary changes. Three weight loss medications are currently licensed by the MHRA for use in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected daily, with similar efficacy to Wegovy.
These are prescription-only medicines and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. They work by helping regulate appetite and supporting you to feel fuller after smaller meals, making it easier to maintain a reduced-calorie diet.
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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.
How to Access Weight Loss Medication — NHS vs Private
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes:
- NHS: Referral through your GP to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Ask your GP whether your local integrated care board (ICB) offers this service.
- Private: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber followed by dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral, typically within days. Costs vary by dose (usually £129–£320 monthly).
Regardless of route, a prescriber will assess whether you're eligible based on your BMI, health conditions, and medications. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and speak with your GP about which option suits 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.
Does the type of rice affect weight loss?
Rice type does matter. Brown rice and basmati have more fibre and a lower glycaemic index than white rice, which may help you feel fuller longer and stabilise blood sugar. However, portion control and overall calorie intake remain the most important factors. Rice is best enjoyed as part of a balanced, reduced-calorie diet.
Can prescription weight loss medication replace dietary changes?
No. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not instead of them. These medications help manage appetite, making it easier to stick to healthier eating habits, but they're not standalone solutions. Your GP or prescriber will discuss this fully.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² or above 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 have lower thresholds. Use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point, then speak with your GP.
How quickly does prescription weight loss medication work?
Weight loss is gradual and individual. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 1–2 kg per month, with the majority of loss occurring between weeks 8 and 16 as doses are increased. Some people lose weight faster, others slower. Sustained loss requires combining medication with diet and exercise changes.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access is free but involves a GP referral and potentially long waiting lists. Private access is faster (days rather than months) but costs £129–£320 monthly depending on dose. Both routes require a clinical assessment and prescription. Ask your GP about NHS availability in your area first.
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.