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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Diet for Menopause Weight Loss — UK Medication Options
Menopause brings hormonal changes that make weight management harder. Whilst dietary changes and exercise remain essential, many UK adults find prescription weight loss medication helpful alongside lifestyle adjustments. This guide covers UK-licensed options, eligibility criteria, and how to explore prescription support through the NHS or private prescribing. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes if medication is suitable for you.
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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
Three prescription-only weight loss medications are currently licensed in the UK and may help during menopause:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight at maximum dose, alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection. Average weight loss around 15% body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once-daily injection. Slightly older than the above options.
All three work by helping regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and support feeling fuller after smaller meals. Individual results vary significantly, and medication is prescribed alongside dietary changes, not instead of them. A prescriber will assess whether you are eligible based on your BMI and health circumstances.
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 Access vs Private Prescribing — Eligibility and Next Steps
NHS route: You can ask your GP for a referral to specialist weight management uk services. NHS weight loss medication is typically prescribed through tier 3 specialist services, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Your GP will assess your eligibility based on BMI and weight-related health conditions.
Private route: GPhC-registered online prescribers offer consultation and prescription without NHS referral. This is faster but involves a fee. Either way, you'll need a clinical assessment before medication is prescribed.
Next step: Speak to your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication might support your menopause weight management. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI before your appointment — this helps your GP understand your health context.
- 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.
Why is weight loss harder during menopause?
Falling oestrogen levels slow metabolism, increase appetite hormones, and encourage fat storage around the abdomen. Combined with reduced muscle mass from ageing, weight gain becomes easier and loss becomes harder. This is normal, but prescription medication can help if diet and exercise alone are insufficient.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Generally, yes, if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). Your GP or specialist will assess your individual situation and discuss whether medication is appropriate for you.
Can I use prescription weight loss medication alongside HRT?
Both can be used together, but always inform your prescriber if you're taking HRT or any other medications. Prescription weight loss injections may affect absorption of some oral medications, so your GP needs the full picture before prescribing.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with medication?
Clinical trials showed meaningful weight loss starting around 4–8 weeks, with maximum results typically achieved around 16–20 weeks at higher doses. However, individual results vary. Weight loss medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
What if I've already tried diet and exercise without success?
That's a very common reason why people are prescribed weight loss medication. If lifestyle changes alone haven't achieved your goals, prescription options like Mounjaro or Wegovy may help. Discuss this with your GP — they can assess whether medication is suitable and discuss potential benefits and side effects for your situation.
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.