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
Does Ginger Water Help with Weight Loss?
Ginger water is a popular natural remedy many people try for weight loss support, but scientific evidence for its effectiveness is limited. Whilst ginger may offer some digestive benefits, sustainable weight management in the UK typically requires more proven approaches. If you're looking to lose weight, prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available to eligible adults through NHS specialist services or private prescribing, alongside lifestyle changes. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current health status and whether you might benefit from professional weight loss support.
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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 in the UK
If ginger water alone isn't delivering the results you need, prescription weight loss medications are available to eligible UK adults. The most commonly prescribed options are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection that may help reduce appetite and support weight management. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — another once-weekly GLP-1 weight loss injection. Evidence suggests average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option, though less commonly prescribed than the weekly alternatives.
All three are prescription-only medicines available to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Individual results vary significantly. You can estimate potential weight loss at different doses using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator.
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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Routes
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes:
- NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service via your GP. Availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
- Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. No NHS referral needed.
Either way, eligibility assessment is essential. Start by having an honest conversation with your GP about weight management options. They can assess your BMI, health conditions, and whether prescription medication might suit you. Our free BMI calculator can help you prepare for that discussion with your current measurements and health context.
- 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 ginger water proven to cause weight loss?
Ginger water is not scientifically proven to cause significant weight loss on its own. Some studies suggest ginger may support digestion and slightly boost metabolism, but these effects are modest. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit, which ginger alone cannot provide. For meaningful results, combine any natural remedies with dietary changes and increased physical activity.
What prescription weight loss injections are available in the UK?
Three GLP-1 medications are UK-licensed for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Mounjaro and Wegovy are once-weekly injections; Saxenda is daily. All are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight alongside lifestyle changes, though individual results vary.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
Eligibility 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 heart disease. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds, lower BMI thresholds may apply. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your eligibility.
How can I access weight loss medication on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. They will assess you and may prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy, or other options if clinically appropriate. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private online prescribing is also available if you want faster access without an NHS referral.
How much weight can I expect to lose with GLP-1 injections?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight over several months, though individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the dose, how long you take the medication, and your diet and exercise efforts. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes at different doses alongside your current BMI.
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.