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
Can Chewing Gum Help Weight Loss?
Chewing gum is often promoted as a weight loss aid, but the scientific evidence is limited. While it may provide minor benefits like reducing appetite temporarily, research shows it's not a reliable weight management solution on its own. For UK adults looking for effective weight loss support, prescription medications and lifestyle changes offer far more evidence-based alternatives. This guide explains what the research shows about chewing gum and explores NHS-approved weight management options that actually work.
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-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're interested in weight management in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications have strong clinical evidence behind them. These are available through NHS specialist services or private prescription where you meet eligibility criteria.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection. Evidence supports modest weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
All three are prescription-only medicines that require a clinical assessment to determine suitability. Weight loss injections work by regulating appetite and helping you feel fuller after meals—far more effective than chewing gum alone.
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.
Who Qualifies and How to Access Weight Loss Support
In the UK, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. NHS weight loss is accessed through your GP, who can refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service—though waiting times vary significantly by region.
Alternatively, private prescription weight loss is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical assessment. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results with prescription medication. Your GP remains your best first point of contact for personalised advice.
- 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.
Does chewing gum actually help you lose weight?
Chewing gum may provide minor temporary appetite suppression, but clinical evidence doesn't support it as a weight loss tool. Some studies show modest calorie burning from jaw movement, but the effect is negligible. For meaningful weight loss in the UK, prescription medications, dietary changes, and physical activity are far more effective and evidence-based.
What's the best proven weight loss medication available in the UK?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both UK-licensed prescription weight loss injections with strong clinical evidence. Mounjaro showed an average 15–clinically studied weight loss in trials, whilst Wegovy showed approximately 15%. Both work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Eligibility depends on your BMI and health conditions.
How do I find out if I qualify for prescription weight loss treatment?
Speak to your GP first—they can assess your BMI, health history, and weight-related conditions. If eligible, you may be referred to an NHS specialist weight management service or can seek a private prescription through a UK-licensed prescriber. Our free BMI calculator above helps you determine your starting BMI quickly.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access is through GP referral to specialist tier 3 services but can involve long waiting lists depending on your region. Private access is faster—available through online prescribers following clinical assessment—but costs approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose. Both require a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber.
Can I track my weight loss progress with weight loss injections?
Absolutely. Most people see gradual results over weeks and months. Use our free progress tracker on this site to log weekly weigh-ins and monitor trends. Our free weight loss calculator also helps project potential outcomes at different medication doses, giving you realistic expectations based on clinical trial data.
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.