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 Hypnosis Really Work for Weight Loss?
Hypnosis for weight loss is popular, but the evidence for its effectiveness is limited. While some people report modest results, there is no robust clinical proof that hypnosis alone causes significant weight loss. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription medications and NHS-supported programmes offer stronger scientific backing. This guide explains what the evidence shows and what alternatives are available to you.
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
If you've tried hypnosis without success, prescription weight management medications are available in the UK for eligible adults. These are approved by the MHRA and supported by clinical trials showing real weight loss results.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials demonstrated approximately 15% average body weight loss at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, also clinically proven to support weight loss.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment before being prescribed. Eligibility depends on your BMI and health profile. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point and understand whether you might qualify for these options.
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 Support in the UK
NHS route: Ask your GP about referral to a specialist weight management service (tier 3). NHS services offer evidence-based support including dietary advice, behaviour change programmes, and potentially medication. Availability varies by region, and waiting lists can be long in some areas.
Private route: You can access prescription weight loss medication through a GPhC-registered online prescriber without an NHS referral. A licensed prescriber will assess your suitability following an online consultation.
Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to estimate potential weight loss with prescription medication at different doses. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you start treatment.
- 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 there scientific evidence that hypnosis works for weight loss?
Limited evidence supports hypnosis for weight loss. Some studies show modest results when combined with other interventions, but there is no strong clinical proof that hypnosis alone causes significant weight loss. For stronger evidence-based results, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have robust clinical trial data showing 15–21% average body weight loss.
What is the difference between hypnosis and prescription weight loss medication?
Hypnosis is a psychological technique with limited clinical evidence. Prescription weight loss medications (GLP-1 agonists and GIP/GLP-1 agonists) are licensed medicines with clinical trials demonstrating significant, measurable weight loss. They work on appetite-regulating hormones and require a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea), may be eligible. Eligibility is assessed individually. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak to your GP or a licensed prescriber about your options.
What is the NHS weight loss pathway in the UK?
The NHS provides tiered weight management support. Tier 1 includes self-help and digital tools. Tier 2 involves primary care behaviour change programmes. Tier 3 offers specialist multidisciplinary services where prescription medication may be initiated. Ask your GP about referral to tier 3 services in your area.
How do I find out if prescription weight loss treatment is right for me?
Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your weight management goals and health history. Your GP can assess eligibility, explain options, and refer you to NHS specialist services if appropriate. Alternatively, you can access private online prescribing services where a UK-licensed prescriber will conduct a clinical assessment.
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.