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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Best Smoothie for Weight Loss in the UK
Smoothies can be part of a healthy weight management routine when made with the right ingredients. However, many commercial smoothies contain hidden sugars and calories. If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, there are several approaches available—from dietary changes like smoothies to NHS-approved prescription options. This guide covers both nutritious smoothie ideas and prescription weight loss medication available to eligible adults, including how to explore all your options with your GP.
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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 Options Available in the UK
If you're struggling with weight management uk despite dietary efforts, prescription weight loss medications are available through the NHS and private prescribers. Three options are currently licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrated an average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, though less commonly prescribed than the weekly options.
All three are prescription-only medicines and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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 and Next Steps
NHS access: Referral to your GP can lead to assessment by specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, availability and waiting times vary significantly across different NHS regions (ICBs).
Private access: GPhC-registered online prescribers can assess you and issue a prescription following an online consultation, without requiring an NHS referral.
To find out which option suits you, talk to your GP about your weight loss goals and medical history. You can calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above, which helps your healthcare professional assess your individual situation. Your prescriber will discuss whether medication, dietary changes (like smoothies), or a combination approach 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.
Can smoothies alone help me lose weight?
Smoothies can support weight loss when made with whole fruits, vegetables, and protein—avoiding added sugars and high-calorie syrups. However, sustainable weight loss typically requires a calorie deficit across your whole diet. If you're finding it difficult despite dietary efforts, prescription weight loss medication might be worth discussing with your GP.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related conditions like prediabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Your prescriber will assess your individual circumstances. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI.
How does Mounjaro differ from Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management. Mounjaro uses a dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism and has shown slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (approximately 15%) in clinical trials. Individual results vary significantly, and your prescriber will advise which is more suitable for you.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS?
Yes, through referral to specialist weight management services (tier 3). However, NHS availability varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Private online prescribers also offer access without NHS referral. Your GP can discuss both options with you.
How can I track my weight loss progress?
Use our free progress tracker on this page to log your weight regularly and see your journey visually. Track progress weekly or monthly alongside whatever approach you choose—whether that's dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, or prescription medication.
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.