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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Ginger Tea And Weight Loss: UK Prescription Options
Ginger tea is often promoted as a natural weight loss aid, but the evidence for it is limited. While ginger may have some modest health benefits, if you're looking for effective weight management support in the UK, prescription medications with proven clinical evidence are available for eligible adults. This guide explores how ginger tea compares to NHS-approved prescription options and helps you understand what treatment might be right for you.
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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 you're interested in weight management in the UK, three prescription-only medications are licensed and available following clinical assessment:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works on two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1 agonist). In clinical trials, it helped people lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection. It offers similar benefits but requires daily administration rather than weekly.
All three are prescription-only and require eligibility assessment by a healthcare professional. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications work alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and check your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to see if you might be eligible for prescription weight management support.
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.
How To Access Prescription Weight Loss Treatment In The UK
Prescription weight loss medications are available through two routes: NHS specialist services (through your GP referral to a tier 3 weight management service) or private online prescribing (via GPhC-registered pharmacies following an online clinical assessment).
NHS access may involve waiting lists, particularly in areas with high demand. Private options are available without NHS referral but involve cost. Either way, a licensed prescriber will assess your eligibility based on your BMI, health conditions, and medical history. Start by speaking with your GP, who can discuss options with you and explain what's available in your area. If you're interested in private routes, look for UK-regulated providers only.
- 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.
Does ginger tea actually help with weight loss?
Ginger may have modest metabolic benefits and can support digestion, but scientific evidence for direct weight loss is limited. A small amount of research suggests ginger might slightly increase feelings of fullness, but the effect is minor compared to prescription medications with proven clinical trial data. It's safe to include as part of a healthy diet, but shouldn't be relied upon as a primary weight management tool.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (around 15%). Both are once-weekly injections. The choice depends on individual factors and prescriber recommendation — there's no single "better" option.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea). Lower thresholds apply for certain ethnic groups. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak to your GP about whether prescription options might be appropriate for you.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Average weight loss varies but typically ranges from 15–21% of body weight over 6–12 months, depending on the medication and dose. However, individual results vary significantly — some people lose more, others less. Weight loss also depends on following a reduced-calorie diet and increasing physical activity. Your prescriber can discuss realistic expectations based on your situation.
What's the difference between NHS and private prescription weight loss treatment?
NHS treatment is through specialist tier 3 weight management services (referral from your GP) and is free but may have waiting lists. Private treatment is available through online prescribers without NHS referral, faster access, but involves out-of-pocket costs. Both require clinical assessment. Speak to your GP first — they can advise on NHS availability in your area and whether private options might suit you.
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.