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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Does Dandelion Root Tea Help with Weight Loss?
Dandelion root tea is a herbal infusion popular in traditional medicine, but scientific evidence for weight loss is limited. Whilst some studies suggest mild diuretic properties, there's no robust clinical proof that dandelion root alone causes meaningful weight loss. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy have demonstrated significant results in clinical trials. This guide explains what the evidence actually shows about herbal approaches and what prescription weight loss medication is available to eligible UK adults.
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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
If dandelion root tea alone hasn't provided the results you're hoping for, prescription weight loss medication may be an option. The UK has several licensed treatments for eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight at the highest dose, used alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist. Average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — daily GLP-1 injection, typically producing 5–clinically studied weight loss.
All are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore potential outcomes at different doses. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible based on your BMI and health profile.
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.
Eligibility and How to Start
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Access in the UK is through two routes: NHS specialist services (via GP referral to tier 3 weight management) or private online prescribing (following clinical assessment). NHS availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Calculate your BMI now using our free BMI calculator to see where you stand, then speak with your GP about options. Many eligible adults find prescription medication more effective than supplements when combined with lifestyle changes.
- 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 dandelion root tea actually help you lose weight?
Dandelion root has mild diuretic properties, which may cause temporary fluid loss. However, there is no strong clinical evidence that it produces meaningful or sustained weight loss. Any reduction is typically water weight rather than fat loss. For evidence-based weight management, prescription options or calorie deficit strategies are more reliable.
What is the difference between herbal supplements and prescription weight loss medication?
Herbal supplements like dandelion root are not regulated as medicines in the UK and typically have limited clinical evidence. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are licensed by the MHRA, have undergone rigorous clinical trials, and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional following assessment. Results are measured and monitored.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual circumstances. Use our BMI calculator to check your starting point, then discuss options with your healthcare provider.
What is the average weight loss with Mounjaro or Wegovy in the UK?
In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight, while Wegovy showed around 15%. Results vary significantly between individuals and depend on dose, adherence, and lifestyle changes. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes. Your prescriber will monitor progress throughout treatment.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use in specialist tier 3 weight management services. Access is through GP referral and availability varies by region — some areas have waiting lists. Private online prescribing is also available without NHS referral. Ask your GP about both options in your area.
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.