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
Chinese Medicine Weight Loss — UK Prescription Medication
While traditional Chinese medicine approaches to weight loss exist, the most evidence-based weight management options available in the UK are prescription medications approved for weight loss. If you're interested in effective weight management with clinical evidence behind it, UK-licensed GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer proven results alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains your prescription weight loss options, who is eligible, and how to access support through the NHS or privately. Our BMI calculator can help you understand where you stand today.
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-Licensed Weight Loss Medications
The UK has three prescription medications approved for weight management in adults, all of which work through evidence-based mechanisms:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a daily injection, with similar efficacy to Wegovy.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment to determine suitability. Individual results vary significantly, and weight loss medication is most effective when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see potential results at different doses.
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 in the UK
Access to prescription weight loss medication in the UK depends on your BMI and health circumstances. On the NHS, you must typically be referred to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service by your GP — eligibility is BMI 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. NHS waiting times vary significantly by region.
Alternatively, you can access prescription weight loss medication privately through a UK-licensed online prescriber following a clinical assessment. This route does not require NHS referral. Your GP can advise whether prescription weight loss treatment suits your health situation. Check your healthy weight range using our BMI calculator and weight converter to help guide this conversation.
- 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 weight loss medication available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults. You'll need a referral from your GP to a tier 3 or tier 4 service. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Availability and waiting times vary by region (ICB).
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1-only medication. Both are once-weekly injections. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss in trials (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (around 15%), though individual results vary. Your prescriber will advise which is appropriate for you.
Can I access weight loss injections privately in the UK?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications are available privately through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. You do not need an NHS referral. Costs vary by provider and dose, typically ranging from approximately £129–£320 per month. The prescriber will assess your eligibility based on your health and BMI.
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 over 12–18 months, but individual results vary significantly. Some people lose more, others less. Weight loss is most effective alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Results depend on adherence, lifestyle changes, and individual factors including genetics and metabolism.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above are eligible. Those with a BMI of 27–29.9 may be eligible if they have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may have lower BMI thresholds. A prescriber will assess your individual suitability.
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.