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 Shot Help With Weight Loss?
Ginger shots are trendy wellness products, but scientific evidence for weight loss is limited. While ginger may have modest digestive benefits, it is not a clinically proven weight management tool. If you're looking for evidence-backed approaches to weight management in the UK, prescription weight loss medication and lifestyle changes are more effective options. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes with approved medications, and our BMI calculator shows where you stand on NHS health thresholds.
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-Approved Weight Loss Medication Options
For adults struggling with weight management, the NHS and private prescribing in the UK offer clinically proven alternatives. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection that clinical trials showed helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 injection licensed for weight management, with average weight loss of around 15% in clinical trials. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily GLP-1 injection also available in the UK.
These are prescription-only medications requiring clinical assessment. They work by regulating appetite hormones, reducing cravings, and supporting feeling fuller after meals. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications are used alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not instead of them.
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.
Who Is Eligible and How to Access Treatment
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Lower BMI thresholds apply to adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage.
NHS access: Referral to specialist tier 3 weight management services through your GP. Availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Talk to your GP about eligibility and explore whether weight management medication is right for you.
- 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 you lose weight?
Ginger has mild digestive properties and may help with nausea or bloating, but clinical evidence for weight loss is very limited. A small amount of research suggests ginger might slightly increase metabolism, but the effect is far too small to support meaningful weight loss. It's not a weight management tool according to NHS guidelines.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss around 15%. Both are once-weekly injections, prescription-only, and require clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly.
How do I know if I'm eligible for NHS weight loss medication?
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 diabetes or high blood pressure. Speak to your GP, who can assess your individual health and refer you to specialist weight management services if appropriate.
Can I access weight loss injections privately in the UK if not eligible for NHS?
Yes. Private prescribing is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. You'll complete a health assessment, and if appropriate, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Costs vary by dose and provider, typically £129–£320 monthly.
Should I use ginger shots instead of seeing my GP about weight management?
No. If you're concerned about your weight or health, speak to your GP first. They can discuss your individual situation, assess eligibility for evidence-backed treatments, and guide you toward safe, effective options. Use our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point, then have that conversation with your GP.
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.