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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Fat Face Weight Loss: UK Prescription Options
Fat face — sometimes called "moon face" or facial puffiness — can be a visible sign of excess weight, particularly around the cheeks and jawline. If you're concerned about facial fat accumulation as part of broader weight management in the UK, several prescription medication options are now available to eligible adults. This guide covers how prescription weight loss treatment works, who can access it through the NHS, and what private options exist. Our free weight loss calculator and BMI calculator can help you understand your current position and explore what might be suitable for 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 Management Medications
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All three work as appetite-suppressing injections that may help reduce food cravings and support feeling fuller after meals — effects that can contribute to overall weight loss, including facial fat reduction as your body composition changes.
Mounjaro is a newer dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with an average weight loss of around 15% in trials. Saxenda is administered daily (rather than weekly) and has been available longer. All three require a prescription and clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. Individual results vary significantly — weight loss depends on medication response, lifestyle changes, and sustained adherence.
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.
NHS vs Private Access in the UK
In the UK, you can access prescription weight management through two routes. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically requiring a GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board). Many areas have substantial waiting lists. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical assessment — no NHS referral needed.
To explore eligibility, start by discussing weight management options with your GP. You can also use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI, which helps determine eligibility. Prescription weight loss medications are typically prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. A prescriber will assess your individual health to confirm suitability.
- 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.
Can prescription weight loss medication specifically reduce face fat?
Weight loss medications are not targeted — they work by reducing overall appetite and food intake, which leads to general weight loss across the body. As you lose weight overall, facial fat typically reduces proportionally. Results vary between individuals based on genetics, how much weight is lost, and where your body naturally stores fat.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works on two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), while Wegovy (semaglutide) works on one (GLP-1 only). Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (~20% vs ~15%), though individual responses vary. Your prescriber will recommend the most appropriate option for you.
How long does it take to see facial fat reduction?
Visible weight loss results typically emerge within 2–3 months, though some people notice changes within 4–6 weeks. Facial fat reduction follows overall weight loss — it's not a separate or faster process. Consistency with medication use, dietary changes, and physical activity all influence the timeline. Track your progress with our free progress tracker.
Am I eligible for NHS prescription weight loss medication?
Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). Use our BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then discuss options with your GP. NHS availability varies by region — your GP can advise on local waiting times and services.
What's the cost of private prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the medication and dose. Mounjaro and Wegovy costs increase with higher doses. Saxenda, as a daily injection, has different pricing. Private prescribers provide cost information during the consultation. NHS prescription is free if you're eligible through specialist services, though waiting times can be lengthy.
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.