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 Matcha Help With Weight Loss in the UK?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that contains antioxidants and caffeine, which may provide modest metabolic benefits. However, matcha alone is not clinically proven to produce meaningful weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight, prescription weight management medication approved in the UK—such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda—offers evidence-based support alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains what matcha can and cannot do, and introduces the prescription options available to eligible UK adults.
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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 have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three medications are currently licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Clinical trial data showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected daily. Available but less commonly prescribed than once-weekly options.
These medications work by helping regulate appetite and promote feeling fuller after smaller meals, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly, and all are prescription-only.
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
Access to prescription weight loss medication in the UK depends on your circumstances. On the NHS, you will typically need a referral from your GP to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service. NHS availability varies by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Privately, you can obtain a prescription through a licensed online prescriber following a clinical assessment, with medication dispensed by a registered pharmacy.
Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals. They can assess your eligibility, discuss all options—including lifestyle support and prescription medication—and help you choose the right path. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with prescription medication.
- 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 matcha tea help you lose weight?
Matcha contains caffeine and catechins (antioxidants) which may provide modest metabolic support, but it is not clinically proven to produce meaningful weight loss on its own. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit and lifestyle changes. Matcha can be part of a healthy routine but should not be relied upon as a weight loss solution.
What does matcha actually do for health?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and provides a gentle caffeine boost (around 70mg per serving versus 95mg in coffee). Some evidence suggests it may support focus and provide cardiovascular benefits as part of an overall healthy diet. However, these are general health benefits, not weight loss specifically.
Is prescription weight loss medication more effective than matcha or supplements?
Yes. Clinical trials show that prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy produce significant, measurable weight loss (15–21% of body weight) when combined with lifestyle changes. Matcha and most dietary supplements do not have comparable clinical evidence for weight loss. Prescription medications work on appetite regulation pathways, whereas matcha is primarily a beverage with antioxidant properties.
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 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Speak with your GP who can assess your personal eligibility and discuss referral to specialist weight management services.
Can I use matcha alongside prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, matcha is safe to consume while taking prescription weight loss medications. However, always inform your prescriber of everything you consume, including supplements and herbal products. Your prescriber can advise on any interactions with your specific medication.
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.