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
How to Eat Flax Seeds for Weight Loss
Flax seeds are a nutrient-dense food that can support weight management as part of a balanced diet. Rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein, flax seeds may help you feel fuller for longer and support healthy digestion. However, food alone often isn't enough for significant weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, your GP can discuss both dietary approaches and prescription weight loss medication options with you. Our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand your current health metrics and explore all available options.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you're struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available alongside lifestyle changes like incorporating flax seeds into your diet. The NHS and private providers offer three main weight loss medication options for eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight at the highest dose.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Evidence from the STEP trial demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection option, also effective for weight management.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Eligibility typically requires 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. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes if you're considering prescription medication.
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 Access vs Private: How to Find Out If You're Eligible
NHS Route: Speak to your GP about NHS weight loss support. You'll be assessed and may be referred to a specialist tier 3 weight management service in your area. NHS access to prescription weight loss medication is available but varies by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private Route: UK-licensed online prescribers offer rapid access to prescription weight loss injections following an online clinical assessment. This option doesn't require NHS referral.
Regardless of route, prescription weight loss medication works best alongside dietary changes—like adding flax seeds to your meals—and increased physical activity. Your GP or prescriber will assess your eligibility and discuss which option suits your health needs. Use our free progress tracker to monitor your weight loss journey once you've started any programme.
- 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.
Are flax seeds enough for weight loss on their own?
Flax seeds are nutritious and high in fibre, which can support satiety, but significant weight loss typically requires a calorie deficit combined with physical activity. For many people, prescription weight loss medication alongside dietary changes produces more reliable results than food alone. Your GP can advise what's appropriate for you.
How do I take flax seeds for weight loss?
Add 1–2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds daily to smoothies, yoghurt, oatmeal, or salads. Drink plenty of water, as flax seeds are high in fibre. Whole flax seeds are less easily digested, so grinding them first improves nutrient absorption.
Can I use flax seeds while taking prescription weight loss medication?
Yes. Flax seeds can be part of a healthy diet alongside prescription weight loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy. Always inform your prescriber about dietary changes and supplements to ensure there are no interactions.
What's the difference between weight loss through diet and prescription medication?
Dietary changes like eating flax seeds support gradual, sustainable weight loss but may not achieve significant results alone. Prescription weight loss medications work via hormonal pathways to reduce appetite and support larger weight reductions, typically used alongside diet and exercise.
How do I check if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI. If your BMI is 30 or above (or 27+ with weight-related health conditions), speak to your GP about eligibility. Your prescriber will assess your full health history to determine 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.