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 You Get Weight Loss Injections On The NHS?
Yes, weight loss injections are available through the NHS, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. Medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are prescribed through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not standard GP practices. However, NHS availability can involve long waiting lists, strict eligibility criteria, and regional variation. Many people access these medications privately instead. This guide explains your options for weight management in the UK, including NHS pathways and what to expect.
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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.
NHS Weight Loss Injections — How Access Works
The NHS has approved GLP-1 weight loss medications including semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management through specialist services. However, you cannot simply ask your GP for a prescription — you must be referred to a tier 3 specialist weight management service in your area. These services are usually based at hospital trusts or integrated care boards.
To access NHS weight loss injections, you typically need:
- A BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease)
- Evidence of previous weight loss attempts
- Commitment to lifestyle changes alongside medication
- GP referral to tier 3 services in your area
Once referred, you'll undergo assessment to determine suitability. However, NHS waiting lists for specialist weight management services are significant in many regions — some areas have waiting times of 12 months or longer.
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.
Private Weight Loss Injections — Faster Access Alternative
Many people in the UK access weight loss injections privately due to NHS waiting times. Private prescribing through GPhC-registered online services offers faster access — you can typically receive a prescription within days following an online clinical assessment. Private costs vary by dose and provider, typically ranging from £129–£320 per month.
Private access still requires a genuine clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber and is prescription-only. The medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) are identical to NHS versions. Private providers will assess your BMI, health history, and suitability before issuing a prescription. Use our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to understand your starting point and estimate potential results with weight loss 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.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic on the NHS?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (not weight loss). Wegovy is the licensed weight management version. Ozempic may be prescribed off-label for weight loss privately, but Wegovy is the approved choice for weight management in the UK. Always clarify which medication your prescriber is recommending.
How long does it take to get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Waiting times vary widely by region. Some areas have waits of 6–12 months or longer for tier 3 specialist weight management services. Private access is typically faster — often within 1–2 weeks. Contact your local integrated care board to ask about current waiting times in your area.
What eligibility criteria do I need for NHS weight loss injections?
You need a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds. Your GP can assess your eligibility during referral.
Can my GP prescribe weight loss injections directly?
No — weight loss injections are not routinely prescribed in primary care. You must be referred to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Your GP can make this referral if you meet eligibility criteria and have exhausted other weight management options first.
Are weight loss injections used alone or with lifestyle changes?
Weight loss injections work alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — they are not a standalone solution. Clinical evidence shows better results when medication is combined with behaviour change. Most prescribers will require commitment to lifestyle modification as part of treatment.
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.