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
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Chinese Tea For Weight Loss — What UK Evidence Shows
Chinese tea is often promoted for weight loss, and some varieties like green tea and oolong contain compounds that may modestly support metabolism. However, the evidence for significant weight loss from tea alone is limited. If you're looking to manage your weight effectively in the UK, prescription weight management options are available for eligible adults. This guide explains what the research shows about tea, and introduces the NHS-approved medications that have stronger clinical evidence behind them.
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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
For UK adults looking for evidence-based weight management, three prescription medications are currently licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 receptor agonist medications that work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller meals.
Clinical evidence: In trials, Mounjaro helped people lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, whilst Wegovy showed average losses of around 15%. These results were achieved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not medication alone.
Who is eligible? Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease), may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication. Try our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected 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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Access in the UK
NHS access: Weight loss injections are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll need a GP referral, and availability varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
Private access: You can also access prescription weight loss treatment through a UK-licensed online prescriber without an NHS referral. A clinical assessment is still required to confirm eligibility.
Either way, your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess your individual health, medications, and medical history before prescribing. This ensures the medication is safe and appropriate for you. Starting a conversation with your GP is always a good first step if you're considering weight loss medication NHS options or want advice on managing your weight.
- 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 Chinese tea actually help with weight loss?
Some varieties like green tea and oolong contain catechins and caffeine, which may slightly boost metabolism and support modest fat loss. However, the effect is small — typically contributing only a few pounds over several months alongside diet changes. Tea alone is unlikely to produce significant weight loss without calorie reduction and exercise.
How do prescription weight loss injections compare to supplements?
Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have robust clinical trial evidence showing 15–21% average weight loss. Herbal supplements and teas lack this level of proven efficacy. Prescription options work by targeting appetite hormones, whilst tea's effects are minor metabolic boosters. Both work best with lifestyle changes.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then discuss options with your GP or a licensed prescriber who can assess your full health picture.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access requires a GP referral to specialist services and varies by region with potential waiting lists. Private access is through UK-licensed online prescribers without NHS referral, but a clinical assessment is still required. Both routes involve a qualified prescriber confirming eligibility before dispensing medication.
Can I use Chinese tea alongside prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, there are no contraindications between tea and prescription weight loss injections. However, tea should not replace medication or lifestyle changes — it's a minor supplement at best. Your prescriber will advise on any specific interactions with your medications during your clinical assessment.
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.