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 Citalopram Cause Weight Loss?
Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant prescribed widely in the UK to treat depression and anxiety. Unlike some medications, citalopram typically does not cause weight loss — in fact, many people experience modest weight gain whilst taking it. This is one reason why people sometimes ask whether the medication is affecting their weight. If you're struggling with your weight and mental health, there are evidence-based options available. This guide explains what citalopram actually does, why weight changes happen, and how to access weight management support 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.
How Citalopram Affects Weight
Citalopram works by increasing serotonin in the brain, which helps reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. It does not typically cause weight loss — studies show that most people either maintain their weight or gain weight whilst taking citalopram, usually within the first few months of treatment.
Why weight gain happens:
- Improved mood can increase appetite and food intake
- SSRIs may slightly slow metabolism
- Reduced anxiety may change eating patterns and exercise habits
- Some people feel less motivated to exercise initially
Weight loss on citalopram would be unusual and should be discussed with your GP, as it may indicate another underlying health issue. If weight gain is a concern, talk to your prescriber — switching to a different medication or adjusting your dose may help, and combining treatment with lifestyle changes like exercise and balanced nutrition supports overall wellbeing.
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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.
Weight Management Options in the UK
If you're struggling with your weight alongside managing depression or anxiety, there are prescription weight management options available in the UK for eligible adults. GLP-1 weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are licensed for weight loss in the UK and work through a different mechanism to antidepressants — they regulate appetite and help you feel fuller for longer.
Eligibility for prescription weight management in the UK includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and use our BMI calculator to check your current category. Your GP can discuss whether these options are appropriate for your individual circumstances and refer you to NHS specialist services or advise on private access routes.
- 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 citalopram help with weight loss?
No, citalopram does not cause weight loss. This SSRI antidepressant typically causes stable weight or modest weight gain due to improved appetite and changes in motivation. Weight loss would be unusual and warrants discussion with your GP.
What should I do if I gain weight on citalopram?
Weight gain on citalopram is common and often settles after the first few months. Talk to your GP — they may adjust your dose, switch you to a different medication, or suggest combining treatment with structured exercise and balanced nutrition to help manage weight.
Can I take weight loss medication alongside citalopram?
Possibly, but this requires careful medical assessment. Always inform your prescriber about all medications you're taking. GLP-1 weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy can be used alongside antidepressants, though your prescriber will assess individual suitability and monitor interactions.
How do I access weight management treatment on the NHS in the UK?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility is based on BMI and health conditions. Alternatively, prescription weight loss treatment is available through private online prescribing following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
What is the difference between antidepressant weight effects and GLP-1 weight loss?
Citalopram (antidepressant) often causes weight gain because it affects serotonin and can increase appetite. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro work by reducing appetite and promoting fullness, supporting weight loss alongside lifestyle changes. These are distinct mechanisms for different purposes.
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.