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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Drink Tea Weight Loss — What Works in the UK
Drinking tea won't directly cause weight loss on its own, though some types of tea contain compounds that may have minor metabolic benefits. If you're looking for effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available for eligible adults alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains your options and how to find out if you qualify for prescription weight loss medication through the NHS or privately.
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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're interested in weight management, the UK has three prescription-only medications clinically proven to help alongside diet and exercise:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Injected once weekly at doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at the maximum dose (2.4 mg once weekly).
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a daily injection, with doses up to 3 mg per day.
All three are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Results vary individually and are achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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 Prescription Weight Loss in the UK
In the UK, weight loss medication is available through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing. NHS access requires referral from your GP to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist service, though waiting lists vary by region and can be lengthy. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
To find out if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator — adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), may qualify. Your GP can discuss your options and support your weight loss journey.
- 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.
Will drinking tea help me lose weight?
Tea alone won't cause significant weight loss. While some teas contain caffeine or compounds with minor metabolic effects, meaningful weight loss requires a sustained calorie deficit and lifestyle changes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are clinically proven options for eligible UK adults when combined with diet and exercise.
How can I access prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You can access prescription weight loss medication through the NHS via your GP's referral to a specialist weight management service, or privately through an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. Both routes require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility based on your BMI and health conditions.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible. Health conditions include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history. Your GP or prescriber will assess your individual eligibility.
How much weight can I expect to lose on Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% for Mounjaro and approximately 15% for Wegovy at maximum doses over 68–72 weeks, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary significantly — some people lose more, some less. Results are not assured and depend on your commitment to lifestyle changes.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical evidence suggests Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss, but both are effective. Eligibility, cost, and individual response vary — your prescriber will help determine which is more suitable for you.
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.