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
Free Weight Loss Programs in the UK
If you're looking for a weight loss program that doesn't cost money, you have several genuine options in the UK. The NHS offers free weight management support through your GP, digital tools are widely available at no cost, and lifestyle changes based on evidence are free to implement. This guide covers what's actually available for free, how to access it, and when professional support might be worth considering alongside free resources.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
What Free Weight Loss Support Does the NHS Offer?
The NHS Weight Loss Plan is a free digital programme available to all UK adults. It provides personalised advice on healthy eating, activity, and behaviour change over 12 weeks. Your GP can refer you to free local weight management services — these vary by area but typically include group classes, one-to-one support, or digital coaching through tier 1 and tier 2 NHS weight management pathways. Many areas also offer free community programmes run by local councils or charities. To access NHS support, speak to your GP who can assess your needs and refer you to appropriate free services in your area. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable results. You can also use our free BMI calculator to assess your current weight status and track progress with our free progress tracker alongside any NHS programme you join.
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.
Free Self-Help Methods That Actually Work
Calorie deficit is the foundation of weight loss — consuming fewer calories than you burn. A deficit of around 500 kcal per day typically results in approximately 0.5 kg loss weekly and costs nothing to implement. Free resources include NHS Eatwell Guide, food diary apps (many free versions available), and NHS weight loss podcasts. Increased physical activity — walking, home workouts, swimming at local leisure centres, or free YouTube fitness videos — supports weight loss without cost. Behaviour change is critical: identifying your personal triggers for overeating, planning meals in advance, and gradually building sustainable habits work as well in free programmes as paid ones. Use our weight converter to track progress between kg, stone, and pounds as you work through any free 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.
Is the NHS weight loss programme completely free?
Yes. The NHS Weight Loss Plan and referrals to tier 1 and tier 2 weight management services are completely free if you're registered with a GP. Specialist tier 3 services are also free on the NHS, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
What if I've tried free methods and they haven't worked?
If you've made genuine lifestyle changes without significant progress, speak to your GP. Depending on your BMI and health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through the NHS, though access to specialist services can involve waiting lists. Your GP can discuss what options are available in your area.
Are there free weight loss apps that actually help?
Yes. MyFitnessPal (free version), Lose It!, and NHS-endorsed apps like the Weight Loss Plan provide food logging and tracking at no cost. Free tools like our BMI calculator and progress tracker help you monitor progress. The most effective app is one you'll actually use consistently.
Can I lose weight without cutting calories?
Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit — there's no way around this scientifically. However, you don't need to count calories obsessively; simply eating smaller portions, reducing sugary drinks, increasing protein and fibre, and moving more can create a natural deficit without strict tracking.
When should I consider paid weight loss programmes instead of free ones?
Free methods work well for many people. Paid programmes can be useful if you prefer structured coaching, meal plans, or community support. However, the evidence shows that calorie deficit, consistency, and behaviour change matter more than whether the programme is paid or free.
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.