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 Weight Loss Bread and Prescription Weight Management in the UK
When it comes to weight management in the UK, choosing lower-calorie bread options can support your dietary goals, but for many people, prescription weight loss medication may also be relevant. This guide explores weight loss bread choices alongside UK-licensed prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which are available for eligible adults. Whether you're managing your weight through diet alone or considering medical support, understanding all your options—and how to check if you qualify—is the first step towards sustainable weight management.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Management Options
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK. Three main options are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, administered once weekly at doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection with doses up to 2.4 mg. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection at doses up to 3 mg, offering an alternative if once-weekly injections don't suit you.
All three are prescription-only medicines and require clinical assessment before being prescribed. Results vary between individuals, and these medications work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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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.
NHS vs Private Access and How to Find Out If You're Eligible
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes:
- NHS: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications for NHS use, but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
- Private: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, available without NHS referral. A clinical assessment will determine if treatment is suitable for you based on your BMI, health history, and any weight-related conditions.
To find out if you're eligible, start by checking your BMI using our free BMI calculator. If your BMI is 27 or above with health conditions (such as high blood pressure, prediabetes, or sleep apnoea), or 30 or above regardless of other conditions, you may be eligible. Speak to your GP about NHS weight loss options, or consider a private online assessment. Individual circumstances vary—your prescriber will assess what's 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 bread help with weight loss?
Yes—choosing lower-calorie or higher-fibre bread options can support weight management. Wholemeal, seeded, or protein-enriched breads tend to keep you fuller longer than white bread. However, bread alone won't create weight loss; it's the overall calorie deficit that matters. Combine dietary choices with increased physical activity for best results.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 alone. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro may support slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (approximately 15%), though individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option for you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds apply. Check your BMI using our free calculator, then speak to your GP or a private prescriber to discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your situation.
Is prescription weight loss medication available on the NHS?
Yes—Mounjaro and other GLP-1 medications are available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3). However, you'll need to be referred by your GP and may face waiting lists depending on your region. Private options are also available without NHS referral. Availability and timescales vary—ask your GP about local services and typical waiting times.
What results can I expect from weight loss medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy over 72 weeks, alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. However, individual results vary significantly—some people lose more, others less. Weight loss medications work best as part of a holistic approach, not as a substitute for lifestyle changes. Your prescriber will discuss realistic expectations for your situation.
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.