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 Seeds For Weight Loss — What You Need To Know
Ear seeds (auriculotherapy) are a complementary therapy based on the idea that stimulating specific points on the ear can influence appetite and weight. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for weight loss. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription options like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are available for eligible adults through both NHS and private routes. This guide explains what ear seeds claim to do, why the evidence is limited, and what clinically-proven weight loss medication options are available to you.
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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 Weight Loss Medications — Evidence-Based Options
If you're interested in weight management UK, prescription medications have stronger clinical evidence than complementary approaches. Three GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist medications are currently licensed for weight loss in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, once weekly injection. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once weekly injection. Average weight loss approximately 15% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once daily injection. Typically produces 5–clinically studied weight loss on average.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment from a licensed prescriber. Eligibility depends on your BMI and any weight-related health conditions. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see what results might be possible if you're eligible for treatment.
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
NHS access: Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have long waiting lists.
Private access: Online prescribing services offer rapid access following a brief online clinical assessment. A licensed UK prescriber reviews your health information and decides if medication is appropriate. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Your GP can help assess whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable for you and discuss which option might be most appropriate. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to help inform that conversation with your healthcare provider.
- 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.
Do ear seeds actually help with weight loss?
Ear seeds lack robust clinical evidence. While some small studies suggest possible effects on appetite, large-scale trials have not confirmed effectiveness. The evidence base is much weaker than prescription weight loss medications, which have multiple large clinical trials demonstrating consistent weight loss results.
Are ear seeds safe?
Ear seeds are generally considered safe when applied correctly, with minimal side effects reported. However, safety is less relevant if the treatment doesn't work. If you want clinically-proven weight loss support, prescription medications approved by the MHRA are a more evidence-based choice.
What makes prescription weight loss medication different from ear seeds?
Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have been tested in large-scale clinical trials with thousands of participants, showing consistent, measurable weight loss results. They work by affecting hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. Ear seeds have no established mechanism and limited trial evidence.
Who can get prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea), may be eligible. A prescriber assesses your individual circumstances. NHS access is through specialist services; private access is via online clinics.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro, around 15% with Wegovy, and 5–10% with Saxenda—though individual results vary significantly. Weight loss is achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. A prescriber can discuss realistic expectations for your situation.
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.