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
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Does Inositol Help With Weight Loss?
Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that some people use to support weight management and metabolic health. Whilst some research suggests inositol may have modest benefits for weight loss — particularly in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — it is not a weight loss medication and results are limited. This guide explains what the evidence shows, how inositol works, and how it compares to other weight management approaches available in the UK.
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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.
What the Research Shows About Inositol and Weight Loss
Inositol is a carbohydrate compound found naturally in foods like beans, grains, and nuts. It plays a role in insulin signalling and cell communication. Several small clinical studies have shown inositol may help support modest weight loss, mainly in women with PCOS — a hormonal condition affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK.
- In PCOS, inositol may improve insulin sensitivity, which can support weight management
- Studies typically show weight loss of 1–3 kg over 3–6 months — modest compared to prescription weight loss medication
- Inositol does not suppress appetite like GLP-1 medications do
- Evidence is stronger for myo-inositol than other forms
However, inositol is a dietary supplement, not a weight loss medication. It is not regulated as strictly as prescription medications, and results vary widely between individuals. If you have PCOS or are considering inositol, discuss it with your GP first.
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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
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How Inositol Compares to Prescription Weight Loss Options
Unlike prescription weight loss medication such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) — which are GLP-1 receptor agonists that suppress appetite and support feeling fuller — inositol works differently. It may improve insulin function but does not directly reduce appetite. Clinical trials show GLP-1 medications help people lose 15–21% of body weight on average, whilst inositol studies show much smaller results.
Prescription weight loss injections require a clinical assessment and are only available through the NHS or private prescribing in the UK. Inositol is available over the counter as a supplement. If weight loss is a priority and you meet NHS eligibility criteria (BMI 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions), speak to your GP about evidence-based options for weight management.
- 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 inositol a weight loss medication?
No. Inositol is a dietary supplement, not a prescription weight loss medication. It is not regulated as strictly as medicines and should not be relied upon as a primary weight loss tool. It may have modest benefits for some people, particularly those with PCOS, but results are limited.
Who is inositol most likely to help?
Research suggests inositol may be most beneficial for women with PCOS, where it can support insulin sensitivity. For people without PCOS or insulin resistance, evidence for weight loss is much weaker. Your GP can advise whether inositol is appropriate for you.
How much weight can you lose with inositol?
Studies typically show modest weight loss of 1–3 kg over 3–6 months. This is significantly less than prescription weight loss medication. Individual results vary, and for many people, inositol may have no effect on weight.
Can I use inositol instead of prescription weight loss medication?
Inositol and prescription medications work differently. If you are eligible for prescription weight loss treatment (assessed by your GP or a licensed prescriber), these have much stronger clinical evidence. Inositol may complement lifestyle changes but should not replace evidence-based weight management approaches.
How do I check if I am eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak to your GP about NHS specialist weight management services or a licensed prescriber for private options like Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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