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
Body Wrap Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Body wraps are marketed as quick weight loss solutions, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Any weight loss from body wraps is typically temporary water loss, not fat loss. If you're interested in sustainable weight management in the UK, prescription weight loss medications and NHS-supported programmes offer more robust evidence-based results. This guide explores what body wraps actually do and introduces clinically-proven alternatives available to eligible UK adults.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're exploring weight management in the UK, several prescription-only medications are licensed and available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, and Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 injection. Both are administered once weekly and work by helping regulate appetite and food intake.
- Mounjaro: Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes
- Wegovy: Evidence suggests approximately 15% average weight loss over similar timeframes
- Saxenda (liraglutide): A daily GLP-1 injection also licensed for weight management in the UK
All prescription weight loss medications require a clinical assessment before prescription and work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly.
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 & How to Get Started
Access to prescription weight loss treatment in the UK differs depending on your route. Through the NHS, you may be referred to a tier 3 specialist weight management service by your GP, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through UK-licensed prescribers following an online clinical assessment — faster but at personal cost.
To find out if you're eligible, use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI. 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), may qualify. Speak with your GP about NHS weight loss services or explore private prescribing options. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss with prescription medication.
- 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.
Do body wraps actually help you lose weight?
Body wraps may cause temporary water loss due to increased sweating, but this is not fat loss and weight returns when you rehydrate. There is no credible clinical evidence that body wraps reduce body fat or lead to sustainable weight loss. If sustainable weight management is your goal, evidence-based approaches like calorie reduction, physical activity, and—for eligible adults—prescription medication offer better results.
What's the difference between body wraps and prescription weight loss medication?
Body wraps are topical treatments with no proven weight loss mechanism. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are clinically-tested medicines that work by affecting appetite hormones. Clinical trials show these medications help eligible adults lose 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes, whereas body wraps do not produce measurable fat loss.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds. Your GP can assess your eligibility or you can request a private clinical assessment.
How quickly will I lose weight with prescription medication compared to body wraps?
Prescription GLP-1 medications typically show measurable weight loss within 4–8 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes, with continued loss over 12–24 months. Body wraps show no sustained weight loss. Our free weight loss calculator can help estimate potential results with GLP-1 medication based on your current weight and height.
Can I access weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes, the NHS offers prescription weight loss treatment through specialist tier 3 weight management services. You can ask your GP for referral, though waiting times and availability vary by region. Private prescribing is also available in the UK through online consultations with licensed prescribers, offering faster access but at personal cost.
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.