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
Creating an Effective Female Weight Loss Plan
A successful weight loss plan for women combines realistic goals, evidence-based nutrition, regular physical activity, and personalised support. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable results. This guide outlines proven approaches to weight management in the UK, including lifestyle changes, dietary strategies, and options like prescription weight loss medication. Whether you're looking to improve your health, reach a healthier BMI, or manage a weight-related condition, understanding your options is the first step. Use our free BMI calculator above to assess where you currently stand, then explore the strategies below that align with your circumstances and preferences.
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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.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss Strategies for Women
Effective weight loss in women typically involves combining dietary changes with regular physical activity and behaviour change support. The NHS Weight Loss Plan is a free, evidence-based programme that provides 12 weeks of guidance covering nutrition, activity, and mindset — ideal as a starting point.
- Calorie deficit approach: A deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day typically results in losing around 0.5 kg per week. This is sustainable and helps preserve muscle mass.
- Mediterranean diet: Strong evidence supports this approach for both weight loss and long-term cardiovascular health.
- Regular activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training 2 days per week. This supports metabolism and bone health, which is particularly important for women.
- Behaviour change: Working with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help identify eating patterns and sustainable habit changes.
Our free weight loss calculator can help you explore how prescription weight loss options might support your plan alongside lifestyle changes.
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.
When to Consider Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are GLP-1 receptor agonist injections prescribed alongside lifestyle changes — not instead of them. These are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. In clinical trials, women using semaglutide (Wegovy) lost an average of around 15% of their body weight, though individual results vary significantly. Access is available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribers. Your GP can advise on local NHS provision or recommend a private option if wait times are lengthy.
- 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.
What is a realistic weight loss target for women?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable, healthy results. A loss of just 5–10% of your body weight can bring meaningful health benefits, including improved blood pressure, blood sugar control, and reduced joint strain. gradual weight management often leads to muscle loss and is harder to maintain long-term.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range?
Use our free BMI calculator above — it will show your current BMI and your healthy weight range instantly. For most UK adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends a slightly lower range (18.5–22.9) due to higher health risks at the same BMI.
Can I lose weight through diet alone without exercise?
Weight loss is primarily driven by calorie deficit, so diet alone can work. However, adding physical activity preserves muscle mass, improves metabolism, supports mental health, and reduces the risk of weight regain. A combination of both is most effective for long-term success.
Are prescription weight loss injections suitable for all women?
Prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are not suitable for everyone. They require a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with health conditions), aren't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and require a clinical assessment. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will determine if you're eligible based on your individual health.
How long do results take with lifestyle changes alone?
Weight loss from diet and exercise typically becomes noticeable within 2–4 weeks, though initial loss may include water weight. Sustainable fat loss accelerates after this period. Consistency matters more than speed — women who lose weight slowly and steadily are more likely to maintain it long-term.
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.