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 smoothies for weight loss: nutrition, recipes, and medication options
Diet smoothies can be a practical part of a weight loss plan when made with nutritious ingredients and appropriate portion sizes. However, smoothies alone are unlikely to create the significant weight loss many people seek. For adults looking to lose weight in the UK, a combination of dietary changes—including healthy smoothies—alongside increased physical activity, and in some cases prescription weight management medication, offers the most effective approach. This guide explores how smoothies fit into a broader weight loss strategy and explains the prescription options available to eligible UK adults.
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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.
UK-licensed prescription weight loss options
If diet and lifestyle changes alone haven't produced the results you need, prescription weight loss medication may be available to you in the UK. Three medications are currently licensed for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 agonist; and Saxenda (liraglutide), a daily GLP-1 injection.
In clinical trials, these medications helped participants lose an average of 14–21% of their body weight when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Mounjaro and Wegovy are once-weekly injections; Saxenda is a daily injection. All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. To find out if you're eligible, try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see where you stand, then speak with your GP about whether prescription weight management is suitable for you.
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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.
NHS vs private access: how to get started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access comes through referral to tier 3 specialist weight management services, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, followed by dispensing through GPhC-registered pharmacies—no NHS referral needed.
Your first step is to speak with your GP. They can assess your individual health, discuss your BMI and weight-related conditions, and explain what options are available to you locally. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI before your appointment—knowing your numbers helps your GP provide better guidance on whether prescription medication might be appropriate for weight management alongside 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.
Can smoothies alone help me lose weight?
Smoothies can support weight loss when made with whole fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats—and kept to appropriate portion sizes. However, smoothies work best as part of a broader approach including reduced overall calorie intake, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes. For significant weight loss, many people benefit from additional support including prescription medication if eligible.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Lower thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Your GP can assess your eligibility based on your individual health.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) uses a dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism; Wegovy (semaglutide) uses GLP-1 only. In trials, Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs 15%), though individual results vary significantly. Both are once-weekly injections. Your prescriber will advise which is most suitable for you.
How much does prescription weight loss medication cost on the NHS?
Through NHS specialist services, prescription weight loss medication is provided at no cost beyond your standard prescriptions. However, NHS availability varies by region and waiting times can be several months. Your GP can explain what's available in your area.
Do I need to use MyWeightCheck's weight converter to work with my GP on weight loss?
Our free weight converter helps you switch between kg, stone, and pounds—useful if your GP discusses your weight in different units than you're used to. Understanding your weight in both metric and imperial units makes conversations with healthcare professionals clearer and helps you track progress more easily.
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.