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 Ginger Help With Weight Loss?
Ginger is a popular home remedy that many people believe supports weight loss, but the evidence is limited. While some studies suggest ginger may have modest metabolic benefits, it's not a proven weight loss solution. If you're looking for effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy have strong clinical evidence behind them. These options are available to eligible adults through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore what prescription weight loss treatment might achieve, alongside lifestyle changes like improved diet and increased physical activity.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
Ginger vs Prescription Weight Loss Medication in the UK
Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory properties, but scientific evidence for significant weight loss is weak. Small studies suggest ginger may support digestion and slightly increase satiety, but results are not comparable to prescription weight management options available in the UK.
Prescription alternatives with proven clinical evidence include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight at maximum dose, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection licensed for weight management. Clinical trial data showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at the highest dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option also available in the UK.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly.
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.
Eligibility and How to Access Weight Loss Treatment in the UK
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see where you fall on the NHS scale.
Two routes are available: Through the NHS via referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service (availability varies by region with potential waiting lists), or privately through an online prescribing service where a UK-licensed prescriber assesses your eligibility. Your GP can discuss which option suits you best and provide personalised advice about whether prescription treatment is appropriate for your individual health.
- 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.
Is ginger actually effective for weight loss?
Limited scientific evidence supports significant weight loss from ginger alone. While some studies suggest mild metabolic benefits and improved digestion, the effect is modest compared to prescription weight loss medications. Ginger may be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it's not a proven weight loss solution.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription injections for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist showing average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss around 15%. Mounjaro has a different mechanism but both require prescription and clinical assessment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment?
You're generally eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then speak to your GP about eligibility and whether referral to specialist weight management services is appropriate.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS in the UK?
Yes, NICE has approved Mounjaro and other weight loss medications for NHS use through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Access varies significantly by region and involves referral from your GP. Private online prescribing is also available without NHS referral, though this incurs private costs.
Should I use ginger supplements instead of seeing my GP about weight loss?
Ginger supplements aren't a substitute for professional medical advice. If you're struggling with weight management, your GP can assess your individual health, discuss whether prescription options are suitable, and recommend evidence-based approaches tailored to you. Always discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider.
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.