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 often promoted as a natural weight loss aid, but the evidence is limited. While some studies suggest ginger may have modest metabolic benefits, it is not considered an effective standalone weight management tool by the NHS. If you're looking for weight management support in the UK, prescription medications are available for eligible adults. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight status and whether you might benefit from professional support.
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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
For 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—prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK. Three options are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A once-weekly injection that activates GLP-1 and GIP pathways. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight when combined with diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide): A once-daily injection, also a GLP-1 agonist, with evidence of modest but sustained weight loss.
All are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly. Unlike ginger supplements, these medications have robust clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness for weight management UK adults.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Medication in the UK
You can access prescription weight loss treatment through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing. NHS access is typically through tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, often requiring a GP referral—though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available online through GPhC-registered pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential weight loss outcomes at different doses if you're considering prescription medication. Your GP can discuss which option might be suitable for your individual health situation and BMI.
- 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 ginger actually help with weight loss?
Ginger may have minor metabolic effects and might help reduce appetite slightly, but evidence is limited. It is not recommended by the NHS as a weight loss treatment. For clinically proven options, prescription weight loss medication is available for eligible UK adults.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 only. Clinical trials show Mounjaro may deliver slightly greater average weight loss, but individual results vary. A prescriber can assess which is more appropriate for you.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Speak to your GP about referral to a specialist weight management service in your area.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, individual results vary significantly—some people lose more, others less. Your prescriber can discuss realistic expectations.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication privately in the UK?
Yes. Private prescriptions are available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This is an alternative route if NHS waiting times are long in your area. Costs vary by dose and provider, typically ranging from £129–£320 per month.
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.