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
Is Celery Good for Weight Loss? UK Weight Management Options
Celery is indeed nutritious and low in calories, making it a healthy addition to a balanced diet. However, eating celery alone won't deliver significant weight loss. For sustainable weight management in the UK, many people benefit from combining dietary changes with prescription weight loss medication if eligible. The good news is that several evidence-based options are now available through both NHS and private services. This guide explains what's available, who qualifies, and how to explore whether prescription weight loss treatment might suit your situation.
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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-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
The UK has three prescription-only weight loss injections licensed for eligible adults. These are not alternatives to healthy eating—they work alongside dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks. Given as a once-weekly injection.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight management. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight. Also a once-weekly injection.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a daily injection. Older option with strong NHS history in diabetes care.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. Individual results vary significantly. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes at different doses, and use our BMI calculator to check whether you might qualify.
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 Access vs Private Options
NHS access: Mounjaro and Wegovy are approved for use within specialist NHS weight management services (tier 3). You'll need a referral from your GP to a local specialist service. Waiting lists vary significantly by region—some areas have very long delays. Private access: Both medications are available through UK-licensed online prescribing services following a remote clinical assessment. No NHS referral needed. You can apply directly to a GPhC-registered provider. Ask your GP about eligibility criteria first—you'll typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. If you're not eligible for medication, your GP can signpost you to free NHS weight management support in your area. Track your progress with our free progress tracker as you work towards your goals.
- 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 eating celery actually help with weight loss?
Celery is very low in calories (about 16 calories per 100g) and high in fibre, so it supports healthy eating and can help you feel fuller. However, eating celery alone won't cause weight loss—you need a calorie deficit overall. It's best combined with other healthy foods and, if eligible, prescription weight loss treatment.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
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 be eligible. Lower thresholds apply to adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your eligibility.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy through the NHS?
Yes—both are approved for NHS use through specialist weight management services. Access is via GP referral to your local tier 3 specialist service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Your GP can advise on local options and waiting times.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription weight loss medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy, alongside dietary changes and physical activity. Individual results vary considerably—some people lose more, some less. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), while Wegovy (semaglutide) activates one (GLP-1 only). Both are once-weekly injections. Clinical trial data suggests Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss, but individual responses differ. Your prescriber will help determine which is more suitable.
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.