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
Ginger Shots For Weight Loss — What The Evidence Shows
Ginger shots are popular health supplements, but there's limited evidence they cause significant weight loss on their own. While ginger may support digestion and reduce nausea, sustainable weight management in the UK typically requires a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and—for eligible adults—prescription weight loss medication. If you're serious about losing weight, it's worth understanding all your options, including NHS-approved treatments that have strong clinical evidence behind them.
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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults struggling with weight management in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide)—all GLP-1 or dual-action receptor agonists with robust clinical evidence behind them.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. In clinical trials, these medications helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 68 weeks, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly.
Unlike supplements such as ginger shots, prescription medications work through proven biological mechanisms: they activate hormone pathways that regulate appetite, reduce food cravings, and support feeling fuller after meals. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see whether you might be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment.
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 Eligibility And Getting Started
In the UK, access to prescription weight loss medication depends on your BMI and health circumstances. If you have a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions), your GP can refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service for assessment. NHS availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
Alternatively, prescription weight loss treatment is available privately through GPhC-registered online pharmacies, following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential results at different doses. Whichever route you choose, the most effective approach combines medication with sustainable lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Start by speaking with your GP about what's right for you.
- 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.
Do ginger shots actually help with weight loss?
Ginger may support digestion and reduce nausea, but there's limited scientific evidence it causes significant weight loss. Any effect is modest at best. For meaningful, sustainable weight loss, most evidence supports dietary changes, physical activity, and—for eligible adults—prescription weight loss medication such as Mounjaro or Wegovy.
What's the difference between ginger supplements and prescription weight loss medication?
Ginger is a natural supplement with minor digestive benefits. Prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are clinically proven pharmaceuticals that work through hormone regulation to reduce appetite and support weight loss. Clinical trials show these medications help people lose 15–21% of body weight on average.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP can assess your eligibility and refer you to specialist services. Our free BMI calculator can give you a starting point for this conversation.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss treatment?
NHS treatment is provided through specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically via GP referral, though availability and waiting times vary by region. Private treatment is available through online prescribers following a clinical assessment, without NHS referral. Both require a prescription and clinical evaluation.
Do prescription weight loss injections require lifestyle changes as well?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work most effectively alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They support weight loss but are not a standalone solution. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor your combined efforts.
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.