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
Can Drinking Tea Help With Weight Loss?
While certain teas like green tea and oolong tea contain compounds that may support metabolism, the evidence for significant weight loss from tea alone is modest. In the UK, if you're looking for more substantial weight management support, prescription medications and evidence-based lifestyle changes are available. This guide explains what the science says about tea and weight loss, then explores UK-licensed prescription options for eligible adults — including Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Calculate your BMI using our free tool above to understand your starting point and eligibility for weight management support.
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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 have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three GLP-1 medications are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight at the highest dose.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Evidence from trials demonstrated approximately 15% average weight loss.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection. Average weight loss around 5–8% of body weight.
All are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. They work alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not as replacements for lifestyle changes. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses based on your current weight.
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
Two routes exist for prescription weight loss medication in the UK:
- NHS route: Ask your GP for referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting times can be several months. Your GP will assess whether you meet eligibility criteria.
- Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. No NHS referral needed. Prescription issued following clinical assessment. Costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on medication and dose.
Whichever route you choose, a licensed prescriber will assess your individual health before prescribing. Tea may offer modest metabolic support, but prescription medications deliver evidence-backed weight management when combined with lifestyle changes. Discuss which option suits your needs with your GP.
- 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 green tea actually help weight loss?
Green tea contains catechins and caffeine that may slightly boost metabolism and fat oxidation. However, the effect is modest — studies suggest roughly 1–3 kg additional weight loss over several months when combined with calorie restriction. It's not a weight loss solution on its own, but may provide a small supporting benefit alongside diet and exercise. Check your BMI using our free calculator to assess your overall weight management needs.
How much tea would I need to drink for weight loss results?
Most studies showing metabolic effects used 2–3 cups of green or oolong tea daily, containing approximately 200–300 mg of catechins. Even at these amounts, weight loss is modest. For meaningful, sustained weight loss, prescription weight management options combined with reduced-calorie diet and physical activity are significantly more evidence-based than relying on tea alone.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 only. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro produced slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (approximately 15%), though individual results vary. Both are prescription-only once-weekly injections. Your prescriber will determine which is appropriate for you based on your health profile.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Ask your GP for referral to a specialist weight management service in your area. Access and waiting times vary significantly by region. For faster access, private online prescribing is also available following clinical assessment.
Can I use weight loss medication without changing my diet or exercise habits?
Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not as replacements for lifestyle changes. Clinical trials showed best results when medication was combined with behaviour change. Your prescriber will discuss diet and exercise expectations before starting treatment. Track your progress using our free progress tracker tool.
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.