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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Ear Seeding for Weight Loss — What Does the Evidence Show?
Ear seeding, also called auriculotherapy, is an alternative therapy based on the idea that stimulating specific points on the ear can influence appetite and weight management. However, there is currently limited scientific evidence supporting ear seeding as an effective weight loss method. If you're exploring weight management options in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have stronger clinical trial evidence. This guide explains what ear seeding claims to do, what research shows, and evidence-based alternatives backed by NHS guidance.
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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.
What Is Ear Seeding and How Does It Work?
Ear seeding is based on traditional acupuncture principles, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine. Practitioners place tiny seeds, beads, or magnetic pellets on specific points of the outer ear, believed to correspond to different body organs and functions. The theory is that gentle pressure on these points (often through self-massage or tape) can reduce appetite, boost metabolism, or regulate eating behaviour.
Common materials used include:
- Vaccaria seeds (small plant seeds)
- Metal or magnetic pellets
- Adhesive-backed stainless steel balls
Sessions typically cost £20–£60 per treatment. However, the scientific evidence is weak. While some small studies suggest minor appetite reduction, most controlled trials show results similar to placebo. The NHS and NICE do not recommend ear seeding for weight loss as a primary treatment approach. If you're considering weight management, our free BMI calculator can help you establish your current health baseline and discuss options with your GP.
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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
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss Alternatives in the UK
For weight loss backed by clinical evidence, the NHS recommends a graded approach: tier 1 (self-help and behaviour change), tier 2 (GP-led programmes like the NHS Weight Loss Plan), tier 3 (specialist services with possible prescription medication), and tier 4 (bariatric surgery for severe obesity).
Prescription weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy have strong clinical trial evidence. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss around 15% in STEP trials. Both require prescription and clinical assessment. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes if you qualify for prescription weight loss medication through your GP or a licensed prescriber.
- 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 ear seeding actually help you lose weight?
Limited evidence supports ear seeding for weight loss. Small studies show mixed results, often no better than placebo. The NHS does not recommend it as a primary weight loss treatment. Evidence-based options like reduced-calorie diet, physical activity, and prescription weight loss medication (if clinically appropriate) have stronger clinical support.
Is ear seeding on the NHS?
No. The NHS does not fund ear seeding for weight loss, as clinical evidence is insufficient. Some private practitioners offer it, but results are not assured. If you're eligible for prescription weight management through the NHS, speak with your GP about referral to a specialist weight management service.
Are there side effects to ear seeding?
Ear seeding is generally considered low-risk. Minor side effects may include skin irritation at the application site or discomfort if pressure is applied too firmly. However, it should not replace evidence-based weight loss approaches or medical supervision if you have obesity-related health conditions.
What's the difference between ear seeding and acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific body points; ear seeding places seeds or beads on ear points. Both are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Neither is recommended by the NHS as primary weight loss treatment, though some people find them relaxing as complementary therapies alongside conventional approaches.
What prescription weight loss options are available in the UK?
UK-licensed prescription weight loss injections include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All require a prescription and clinical assessment. Access is through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services or private prescribing. Use our weight loss calculator and consult your GP to explore eligibility and suitability.
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.