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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Diabetic Medicines — UK Health Guide
Diabetes affects millions of people across the UK, and managing blood sugar levels effectively often requires medication alongside lifestyle changes. If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, understanding the different medicines available through the NHS can help you work more effectively with your GP. This UK health guide covers the main diabetic medicines prescribed in Britain, how they work, and their relationship to weight management — because controlling your weight is a key part of managing diabetes long-term.
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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.
Main Types of Diabetic Medicines in the UK
The NHS prescribes several classes of diabetic medicines, each working in different ways to help control blood sugar:
- Metformin — the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes; reduces how much glucose your liver produces and improves how your body uses insulin
- Sulphonylureas (gliclazide, glipizide) — stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin; can cause weight gain
- DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, saxagliptin) — help your pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high; weight-neutral
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) — slow digestion, reduce appetite, and lower blood sugar; often support weight loss
- SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) — help kidneys remove excess glucose; weight-neutral or supportive of modest weight loss
- Insulin — used when other medicines are insufficient; can require careful management to avoid weight gain
Your GP will recommend medication based on your individual health, kidney function, and weight. Most people start with metformin and escalate if needed.
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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.
Weight Management and Diabetic Health in the UK
Weight and diabetes are closely linked. Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control, reduce medication needs, and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you're overweight or have a BMI over 25, your GP may recommend weight management as a priority alongside medication.
For people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who are also overweight, GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide can offer dual benefits — they lower blood sugar whilst supporting weight loss. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current health status, and discuss weight management options with your GP. Many people find combining medication with structured lifestyle changes delivers the best results.
- 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.
What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas can't produce insulin; it requires insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can't use insulin effectively; it's often managed with tablets first, then insulin if needed. Type 2 is more common in the UK and is often linked to weight and lifestyle.
Can diabetic medicines help with weight loss?
Some diabetic medicines support weight loss — particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide, which are approved for both diabetes and weight management in the UK. Other medicines like metformin are weight-neutral. Sulphonylureas can cause weight gain. Always discuss weight management with your GP.
Will I need to take diabetic medicine forever?
This depends on your diabetes type and how well you manage it. Some people with type 2 diabetes achieve good control through weight loss and lifestyle changes alone and may reduce or stop medication. Others need long-term treatment. Your GP will review your medication regularly and adjust as needed.
How can I check if my weight affects my diabetes risk?
Use our free BMI calculator on this page to check your current BMI. A healthy BMI (18.5–24.9) is associated with lower diabetes risk. If your BMI is above 25, discuss weight management with your GP. Our weight converter can also help you track progress in stone or kg.
Are GLP-1 medicines available on the NHS for type 2 diabetes?
GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide are available on the NHS for type 2 diabetes when other treatments haven't worked well enough. Availability varies by region and NHS trust. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
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.