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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Does Cayenne Pepper Help With Weight Loss?
Cayenne pepper is often claimed to boost metabolism and aid weight loss, but the scientific evidence is limited. While some studies suggest capsaicin (the active compound in cayenne) may have modest effects on appetite and fat burning, these effects are typically small and unlikely to produce meaningful weight loss on their own. For adults seeking effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have been clinically proven to support significant weight loss alongside diet and exercise changes.
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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 you're looking for evidence-backed weight management approaches in the UK, prescription medications offer stronger clinical support than dietary supplements. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that works by activating GIP and GLP-1 hormone pathways, helping to reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) is another once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with trial data showing average weight loss of around 15% of body weight. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option also licensed in the UK for weight management. All three are prescription-only medicines requiring assessment by a healthcare professional. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected results at different doses and track your progress with our free progress tracker.
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: How to Access Weight Loss Support
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — your GP can refer you if you meet eligibility criteria (typically BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions). NHS waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following a clinical assessment, without needing an NHS referral. Either way, these medications work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI and understand where you stand on the NHS eligibility threshold.
- 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 cayenne pepper actually help you lose weight?
Cayenne contains capsaicin, which some research suggests may modestly increase metabolism and reduce appetite. However, effects are small and unlikely to produce significant weight loss on their own. Real-world weight loss typically requires sustained calorie deficit alongside lifestyle changes. For stronger evidence-backed results, prescription medications available in the UK have clinical trial data supporting meaningful weight loss.
What prescription weight loss options are available in the UK?
Three medications are licensed for weight management in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist injections that help reduce appetite. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight. All require a prescription and clinical assessment before use.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Generally, you may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Eligibility criteria vary slightly by region. Your GP can assess whether you qualify and refer you to specialist services.
How do I find out if prescription weight loss medication is right for me?
Book an appointment with your GP to discuss weight management options. They can assess your health, discuss your BMI and any weight-related conditions, and if appropriate, refer you to NHS specialist services or advise on private options. A prescriber will conduct a full clinical assessment before prescribing any medication.
Can I use dietary supplements like cayenne pepper alongside prescription weight loss medication?
Always discuss all supplements with your prescriber before starting weight loss medication. Some supplements may interact with prescription medicines or affect how they work. Your healthcare professional can advise which supplements are safe alongside your treatment plan.
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.