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
What Does a Cholesterol Shot Cost in the UK?
"Cholesterol shots" typically refers to GLP-1 receptor agonist injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are prescription-only weight management medications licensed in the UK. While these injections weren't originally designed to treat cholesterol, they may help improve cholesterol levels as a side effect of weight loss. The cost of these medications varies significantly depending on whether you access them through the NHS or privately. This UK health guide explains pricing, eligibility, and how to get started with prescription weight loss treatment.
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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.
Cost and Access Routes in the UK
NHS access: If eligible through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, you typically pay only standard prescription charges (currently £9.90 per item in England for adults, or free if you qualify for exemptions). However, NHS availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be substantial in many areas.
Private access: Through GPhC-registered online pharmacies, costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on the medication and dose:
- Wegovy (semaglutide): £150–£250/month
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): £170–£300/month
- Saxenda (liraglutide): £120–£200/month (daily injection)
Prices vary between providers. Private prescribing also requires an online clinical assessment (typically £20–£50), which some providers include in the cost.
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.
What Affects the Total Cost?
Several factors influence your overall cost: starting dose (lower doses cost less), escalation schedule (you gradually increase doses over weeks, so initial costs are lower), treatment duration (most people continue for months or years), and combination with other treatments (you may still need lifestyle changes alongside medication). Use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different dose levels, which may help you decide if the investment is worthwhile for your situation.
- 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.
Are cholesterol shots the same as weight loss injections?
"Cholesterol shots" usually refers to GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are weight loss injections. They weren't specifically designed for cholesterol but may improve cholesterol levels indirectly through weight loss. These are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment.
Can I get these injections free on the NHS?
If prescribed through NHS specialist weight management services, you pay standard prescription charges (£9.90 in England, or free with exemptions). However, NHS access is limited and varies by region. Many people access these medications privately through online prescribing.
Why do prices vary so much between providers?
Prices depend on the specific medication, dose, whether clinical assessment is included, and the pharmacy's overheads. Wegovy and Mounjaro are the most expensive. Comparing providers is worthwhile — some offer discounts for bulk purchases or subscription plans.
Is the cost worth it?
Clinical trials show Wegovy and Mounjaro help users lose 15–21% of body weight on average. Individual results vary significantly. Consider the cost alongside potential health benefits (improved blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) and whether lifestyle changes alone have worked for you.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic pricing?
Ozempic contains semaglutide but is licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss in the UK — using it for weight loss is off-label. Wegovy is the licensed weight management version. Prices are similar, but Wegovy is the approved choice for weight loss 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.