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
What Vegetables Are Best for Weight Loss?
Vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in fibre, making them excellent for sustainable weight management in the UK. This guide covers the best veggies to include in your diet, plus information about prescription weight loss medication options available to eligible adults. Weight loss is most effective when combining dietary choices with professional support — whether through lifestyle changes alone or with medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy.
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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.
Best Vegetables for Weight Loss and UK Prescription Options
The best vegetables for weight loss are those high in fibre and water, low in calories, and filling. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are virtually calorie-free and nutrient-dense. Cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower — contain compounds that support metabolic health. Root vegetables like swede and turnips provide satiety without excessive calories. Peppers, courgettes, and asparagus are also excellent choices.
- Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables at each meal
- Combine vegetables with protein for sustained fullness
- Raw or steamed vegetables retain maximum nutrients
- For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication is available through the NHS or private prescribers
Vegetables alone support gradual weight loss, but prescription options like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) may accelerate results for eligible individuals. Clinical trials show these medications help participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight when combined with dietary changes — results vary significantly by individual. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes if you're considering prescription options.
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 Weight Loss Medication vs Lifestyle Changes
In the UK, weight loss support exists on a spectrum. Self-managed approaches using vegetables and calorie reduction suit many people and are always a good first step. The NHS also offers tier 1 and tier 2 weight management programmes through your GP or community services. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above — or 27 or above with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure — you may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment.
- NHS route: Refer to your GP to access tier 3 specialist weight management services; waiting lists vary by region
- Private route: Consult with a UK-licensed prescriber online; prescription issued if clinically appropriate
- Medications are used alongside dietary changes and physical activity, not instead of them
- Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand where you stand
- 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.
Which vegetables have the fewest calories for weight loss?
Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, kale), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), and non-starchy vegetables (courgettes, peppers, asparagus) are all under 50 calories per 100g. Fill your plate generously with these — they provide volume and nutrients with minimal calorie impact. Raw or steamed preparation maximises their weight loss benefit.
Can vegetables alone help me lose weight, or do I need medication?
Vegetables are excellent for sustainable weight loss and should always be part of your diet. Many people achieve meaningful results through dietary changes and increased activity alone. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above or weight-related health conditions, prescription options like Mounjaro or Wegovy may be clinically appropriate. Your GP can advise whether medication is suitable for you personally.
How do UK prescription weight loss injections work?
Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists (or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists) that help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals. They're prescription-only and require clinical assessment. In clinical trials, users lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over several months when combined with dietary changes — individual results vary.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for NHS weight loss medication in the UK?
Start by calculating your BMI using our free BMI calculator above. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea), speak to your GP about tier 3 specialist weight management services. Waiting times vary by region; private prescribing is also available outside the NHS pathway.
Should I choose vegetables or prescription medication for weight loss?
These aren't either/or choices. Vegetables should always form part of a healthy diet, whether or not you're using medication. If eligible, prescription weight loss medication is most effective when combined with dietary improvements (like eating more vegetables), increased physical activity, and behaviour change. Use our free progress tracker to monitor your journey alongside whichever approach suits you.
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.