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
Food Prep Ideas for Weight Loss in the UK
Food prep is one of the most effective weight management strategies available. By planning and preparing meals in advance, you control portion sizes, reduce impulse eating, and maintain consistency with your dietary goals. This guide covers practical food prep approaches for UK adults, plus how prescription weight loss options like Mounjaro and Wegovy can support your weight loss journey alongside smart eating habits.
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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
For eligible UK adults, prescription weight management medications are available to support weight loss alongside food prep and lifestyle changes. Three main options are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that activates dual GIP and GLP-1 pathways, helping reduce appetite and regulate fullness. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. In trials, participants achieved approximately 15% average weight loss at the highest dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, with similar effectiveness to Wegovy.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. They work best when combined with dietary changes—making food prep planning essential alongside medication.
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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 and Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is through tier 3 specialist weight management services (referral from your GP required), though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is through online prescribing services following a clinical consultation—available without NHS referral.
To find out if you're eligible, speak to your GP or use our free BMI calculator above to check where you sit on the NHS weight categories. You'll need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP can also advise on NHS weight loss services in your area.
- 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's the best food prep strategy for weight loss?
Focus on preparing lean proteins (chicken, fish), whole grains, and plenty of vegetables in advance. Portion out meals into containers so you know exactly how many calories you're eating. This creates a consistent calorie deficit—the foundation of sustainable weight loss—without relying on willpower each day.
Can food prep alone help me lose weight without medication?
Food prep combined with regular physical activity can certainly support weight loss, especially with a consistent calorie deficit. However, for some people—particularly those with a BMI over 30 or weight-related health conditions—prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy may provide additional support alongside dietary changes.
How does Mounjaro or Wegovy work with food prep?
These medications help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which makes it easier to stick to smaller portions and your food prep plan. They're not replacements for healthy eating—they're tools that support your efforts alongside good nutrition and physical activity.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You're eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Your GP can assess your individual situation. Use our BMI calculator on this page to check your starting point.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS access is free but involves referral to specialist services with potential waiting lists. Private online prescribing is faster and doesn't require NHS referral, but you'll pay a subscription fee. Both require a clinical assessment and work best alongside food prep and lifestyle changes. ```
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.