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 Chewing Gum Help Weight Loss?
Chewing gum has long been suggested as a simple weight loss aid, but the evidence for meaningful weight loss is limited. While gum may temporarily reduce appetite or satisfy oral cravings, it won't replace a structured weight management approach. If you're looking for genuine support with weight loss in the UK, several prescription options are available through the NHS or private prescribing, alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains what the science shows and what prescription alternatives exist for eligible 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.
UK Weight Management Options: Prescription Medications
If chewing gum hasn't delivered the results you're looking for, several prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK for eligible adults. The most widely used are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that activates two natural appetite-regulating pathways. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, though individual results vary.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection that helps reduce hunger and food cravings. The STEP-1 trial showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at 68 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily injection option, though less commonly prescribed than Mounjaro or Wegovy in the UK.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to see how these options might work for your situation.
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: Finding the Right Pathway for You
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes. NHS access is available through specialist tier 3 or 4 weight management services — you'll typically need a referral from your GP, and availability varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas. Private access is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers; if eligible, you receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy without an NHS referral.
To find out if you might be eligible, check your BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may be considered. Your GP can discuss which pathway is most appropriate for your circumstances.
- 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 doesn't chewing gum help with weight loss?
Chewing gum may provide brief oral stimulation or slight appetite reduction, but it doesn't address the core mechanisms of weight management. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit, dietary changes, and often professional support — not just mechanical chewing. This is why prescription medications, which work on appetite-regulating hormones in the brain and gut, are far more effective.
What qualifies someone for prescription weight loss treatment on the NHS?
NHS eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, thresholds may be lower. Your GP can assess your individual situation and refer you to specialist weight management services if appropriate.
How much weight can you lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy, achieved over several months alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly — some people lose more, some less. These medications work best as part of a comprehensive lifestyle approach.
How do I start the conversation about prescription weight loss medication with my GP?
Book a routine appointment and explain you're interested in exploring all weight management options. Ask about NHS specialist services, eligibility criteria, and waiting times in your area. Bring your BMI (use our free calculator on this page) and any health conditions you have. Your GP can advise on the best next steps for your individual needs.
Are weight loss injections available privately without an NHS referral?
Yes. Private online prescribing services offer consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. If you're eligible following assessment, you'll receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private treatment typically costs between £129–£320 per month depending on the medication and dose, compared to no direct cost through the NHS.
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.