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 Plan Recipes For Weight Loss — UK Health Guide
Losing weight sustainably combines healthy eating with lifestyle changes, and for some adults in the UK, prescription medication can support the process alongside dietary improvements. While diet plan recipes are important, it's worth understanding all the weight management options available to you — including NHS-approved prescription treatments like Mounjaro and Wegovy. This guide covers both food-based strategies and medication options for 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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications Available in the UK
Three prescription-only medications are licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1). Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. In trials, participants lost approximately 15% of body weight on average at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection, an alternative if once-weekly dosing is not suitable.
All three are prescription-only and available to UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Individual results vary significantly. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes 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.
NHS vs Private Access — How to Find Out If You're Eligible
NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP is required. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region and integrated care board. Private access: You can obtain a prescription through a UK-licensed online prescriber without an NHS referral, though you will still need to undergo a clinical assessment. Your GP can discuss which route is appropriate for you and whether prescription weight loss medication suits your health profile.
Sustainable weight management combines dietary changes, physical activity, and where eligible, prescription support. Calculate your BMI using our free tool to understand where you currently stand against NHS guidelines, then speak with your GP about all available options.
- 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.
Can I use diet plan recipes alone without medication?
Yes — many people lose weight successfully through diet and exercise alone. The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of roughly 500 kcal per day for sustainable loss of 0.5–1 kg per week. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are tools for eligible adults who want additional support, not replacements for healthy eating and activity.
What makes Mounjaro different from Wegovy?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (activates two hormone pathways), while Wegovy activates GLP-1 only. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs approximately 15% for Wegovy), but both require dietary changes and increased activity to be effective. Individual response varies.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You're potentially eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds may apply. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual eligibility.
Will prescription weight loss medication work without diet changes?
No. All weight loss medications work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller, but they are not standalone treatments. Combining medication with healthy diet plan recipes, exercise, and behavioural changes gives the best outcomes.
How much does weight loss medication cost on the NHS?
Prescription costs are the standard NHS prescription charge (currently £9.65 per item in England if eligible). However, availability depends on your region. Some areas have significant waiting lists. Private prescriptions cost approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. Your GP can advise on NHS access 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.