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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Free Weight Loss Meal Plans and Prescription Options in the UK
A structured meal plan is a great starting point for weight management in the UK, but many people find they need additional support. If you're struggling with weight loss despite dietary changes, prescription medications may be available to you through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explains how free meal planning fits alongside medication options, who is eligible for prescription weight loss treatment, and how to explore what's right for your situation.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications
If a free weight loss meal plan isn't delivering the results you need, several prescription medications are licensed in the UK for weight management. These work best alongside diet and physical activity changes, not instead of them.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that activates dual GIP and GLP-1 hormone pathways. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased activity. Wegovy (semaglutide) is another once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with trial data showing approximately 15% average weight loss. Both are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment.
Eligibility for prescription weight loss medication typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds, lower BMI thresholds may apply due to higher health risks at lower weights.
Individual results vary significantly — weight loss medications work best when combined with lifestyle changes. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different medication doses.
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.
Accessing Weight Loss Support: NHS vs Private Routes
NHS access: GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now approved through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3 services). However, access varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy — ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist service.
Private access: You can access prescription weight management medication through GPhC-registered online prescribing services without an NHS referral. A licensed prescriber will assess your suitability following an online clinical consultation.
Whichever route you choose, combine prescription support with a balanced, reduced-calorie meal plan. Track your progress using our free progress tracker, and check your BMI regularly to monitor improvements. Your GP can also give personalised advice about which approach suits your circumstances best.
- 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 I get a free weight loss meal plan on the NHS?
Yes. The NHS offers free weight management support through the NHS Weight Loss Plan and local weight management services. Your GP can refer you to tier 2 or tier 3 specialist services. Many NHS services provide free structured meal plans, behaviour change coaching, and support groups. Ask your GP about what's available in your area.
Are prescription weight loss injections free on the NHS?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults, though regional availability varies significantly. Eligibility is typically BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Waiting lists can be lengthy. Private prescribing is also available if you meet clinical criteria.
How much weight can I expect to lose with a meal plan and medication?
Results vary significantly between individuals. Clinical trials show GLP-1 medications help with approximately 15–21% average body weight loss alongside diet and exercise. A free meal plan alone typically supports 0.5–1 kg weight loss per week. Combined approaches often deliver better outcomes. Track your progress with our free tool.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates dual GIP and GLP-1 pathways, while Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 only. Both are once-weekly injections. Mounjaro may offer slightly higher average weight loss in trials (15–21% vs 15%), but individual results vary. Both require prescription and clinical assessment.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Speak with your GP first. Typical eligibility includes BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea). Lower BMI thresholds apply for certain ethnic backgrounds. Your GP can refer you to NHS specialist services or discuss private prescribing options.
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.