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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Weight Loss Shakes For Over 50 — UK Prescription Options
Weight loss shakes can be part of a weight management plan, but if you're over 50 and struggling with sustained weight loss, prescription weight loss medication may be worth discussing with your GP. The UK has several NHS-approved options available for eligible adults, alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. This guide explains what's available, who qualifies, and how to start the conversation with your healthcare provider about weight management in the UK.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications For Adults Over 50
If you're over 50 and looking for weight management support beyond shakes, the UK has three prescription-only GLP-1 medications licensed for weight loss: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Clinical trials show these medications can help adults lose an average of 15–21% body weight when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — far more substantial than meal replacement shakes alone.
- Mounjaro: Once-weekly injection, dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism, doses 2.5–15 mg, average weight loss 15–21%
- Wegovy: Once-weekly injection, GLP-1 agonist, doses 0.25–2.4 mg, average weight loss around 15%
- Saxenda: Daily injection, GLP-1 agonist, doses 0.6–3 mg, average weight loss around 5–10%
These are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess whether you're eligible based on your BMI, age, health conditions, and medical history. 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.
NHS Access vs Private Prescription — How To Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access: You can be referred to a specialist tier 3 weight management service by your GP, though availability and waiting lists vary significantly by region. Private access: Licensed online prescribers can assess you and issue a prescription without NHS referral, though costs apply.
Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals. They can assess whether you're eligible (typically BMI 30+, or 27+ with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), discuss medication options, and advise on your local NHS pathway. Our free BMI calculator can help you check where you stand before your appointment.
Whichever route you choose, prescription medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not instead of them. Many people track their progress using a weight loss progress tracker to stay motivated. Your prescriber will monitor you regularly to check how the medication suits you and adjust doses as needed. Remember, weight loss at 0.5–1 kg per week is considered safe and sustainable.
- 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.
Are weight loss shakes enough for adults over 50?
Weight loss shakes can form part of a weight management plan, but research shows prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy deliver significantly greater weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. For over-50s with a BMI over 30 or weight-related health conditions, your GP may recommend exploring prescription options alongside lifestyle changes.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease), may be eligible. Age alone doesn't exclude you — eligibility is assessed individually. Your GP can advise whether you qualify.
What's the difference between Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection with average weight loss of 15–21%. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weekly GLP-1 injection averaging around clinically studied weight loss. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily GLP-1 injection with average weight loss of 5–10%. All are prescription-only; your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option for you.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS or do I need to go private?
Both routes are available in the UK. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services (referral by GP), though waiting lists vary by region. Private access is through licensed online prescribers without NHS referral, at a cost. Your GP can discuss which route suits your circumstances.
How quickly will I lose weight on prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over several months with Mounjaro and Wegovy, depending on dose. Safe weight loss is typically 0.5–1 kg per week. Individual results vary — some people lose more, some less. Medication works best alongside diet and exercise; your prescriber will monitor progress regularly.
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.