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 Cucumber Help In Weight Loss?
Cucumber is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can support healthy eating as part of a balanced diet, but it's not a weight loss solution on its own. With only about 16 calories per 100g, cucumber can help you feel fuller whilst keeping calorie intake low. However, sustainable weight loss requires a broader approach combining dietary changes, physical activity, and sometimes medical support. For adults struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription options are available that work alongside lifestyle changes to deliver more significant results.
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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 Management Options
If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, several prescription weight management medications are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These are clinically proven to support weight loss alongside diet and exercise.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Evidence from STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, with evidence supporting around 5–clinically studied weight loss.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Support in the UK
If you're interested in prescription weight loss medication, start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals. Your GP can assess your BMI (use our free BMI calculator to check yours) and discuss whether you might be eligible for specialist referral or private prescribing options. Many people use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different medication doses — this can help inform your conversation with your prescriber.
In the NHS, access to weight loss medication is through tier 3 specialist weight management services. Waiting times vary significantly by region. Alternatively, prescription weight loss medication is available privately through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment — this route has no waiting list but does involve a cost.
Alongside any medication, sustainable weight loss requires consistent dietary changes and increased physical activity. A calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day typically results in weight loss of approximately 0.5–1 kg per week — which is the safe rate recommended by the NHS. Even modest weight loss of 5–10% of body weight can meaningfully improve health markers including blood pressure, blood sugar control, and cholesterol levels. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to stay motivated and accountable throughout your weight loss journey.
- 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.
Is cucumber good for weight loss?
Cucumber is very low in calories (around 16 calories per 100g) and high in water and fibre, making it a good addition to a healthy diet. However, cucumber alone won't cause weight loss — sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit achieved through overall dietary changes and physical activity.
What prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK?
Three main options are licensed in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists injected weekly or daily. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 5–21% depending on medication and dose. All require a prescription and clinical assessment.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea), may be eligible. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may be eligible at lower BMI thresholds. Your GP can assess whether you qualify.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes, but access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically via GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private prescribing is also available without NHS referral but involves a cost. Both routes require a clinical assessment.
What's the safest rate of weight loss?
The NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week for sustainable results. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. Faster weight loss can result in muscle loss and is generally not recommended without medical supervision.
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.