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
Cheap Weight Loss Meal Plan: Diet and Medication Options in the UK
A cheap weight loss meal plan doesn't have to mean sacrificing nutrition or results. In the UK, you have two complementary approaches: creating an affordable diet strategy yourself, and exploring prescription weight loss medication if eligible. This guide covers both practical meal planning on a budget and how prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy work alongside diet for weight management in the UK. Whether you're focusing on reducing calories affordably or investigating medical support, understanding your full range of weight management options helps you make an informed choice.
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 Prescription Weight Loss Options for Eligible Adults
If you're looking for weight management support beyond diet alone, the UK offers several prescription weight loss medications for eligible adults. These are not cheap alternatives to dieting—they are tools designed to work alongside diet and exercise.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 weight loss injections in the UK. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy when combined with lifestyle changes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is also available but requires daily injections rather than once weekly.
Eligibility for prescription weight loss medication in the UK typically includes:
- BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease)
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults: lower thresholds may apply from BMI 27.5
- Adults aged 18 and over only
Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses if you're curious about how these medications might support your goals.
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 vs Private Access and How to Find Out If You're Eligible
NHS route: Weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, but access is limited and varies significantly by region. Your GP can refer you, though waiting lists can be very long in many areas. Ask your GP about weight management services in your local Integrated Care Board area.
Private route: Prescription weight loss treatment is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route doesn't require NHS referral and is often faster, though costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
The first step is always a conversation with your GP or a qualified prescriber, who will assess your individual health and eligibility. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see where you fall, and use your result as a starting point for that discussion.
- 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.
Can I get weight loss injections like Mounjaro on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults. However, access depends on your local NHS area and waiting lists can be lengthy. Your GP can refer you to your local tier 3 weight management service. Private access is faster but costs approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
How much weight will I lose with a cheap meal plan alone?
A sustainable cheap weight loss meal plan, focusing on calorie deficit, typically results in 0.5–1 kg weight loss per week. This depends on your starting weight, calorie deficit, and consistency. The NHS recommends this rate as safe and sustainable. Prescription medications can enhance results when combined with diet, but diet remains the foundation of any weight loss plan.
What makes a weight loss meal plan truly cheap and affordable?
Budget-friendly weight loss meals focus on affordable whole foods: beans, lentils, eggs, tinned fish, frozen vegetables, oats, rice, and seasonal produce. These are nutrient-dense and affordable. Batch cooking, meal planning, and reducing processed foods saves money while supporting weight loss. Use our weight converter to track portions in familiar UK measurements.
Do I need medication if I can diet and exercise instead?
No, medication is not required. Diet and exercise alone can achieve meaningful weight loss. However, if you have a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with health conditions, prescription medication may be offered as additional support alongside lifestyle changes—not as a replacement for them. Your GP can discuss what's appropriate for your situation.
Can I combine a meal plan with weight loss injections like Wegovy?
Yes, prescription weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are not standalone treatments. Clinical trials showed weight loss results when medication was combined with lifestyle changes. Your prescriber will advise on how to integrate dietary changes with medication.
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.