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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GLP-1 Dosage for Weight Loss — How Many Drops Per Day
GLP-1 medications for weight loss in the UK do not use drops—they are delivered as once-weekly injections or daily injections depending on the medication. This guide explains how GLP-1 dosages actually work, how the dose escalates over time, and what to expect from prescription weight loss medications in the UK. Whether you're exploring weight management options or wondering about GLP-1 weight loss injections, understanding the correct dosage format is essential before speaking with your GP or a prescriber about eligibility.
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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.
How GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Are Actually Dosed
GLP-1 medications licensed for weight management in the UK are delivered as injectable medicines, not drops. There are two main formats:
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — once-weekly injection pen, escalates from 0.25 mg to a maximum of 2.4 mg over 16 weeks
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — daily injection pen, escalates from 0.6 mg to 3 mg over 4–5 weeks
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — once-weekly injection, escalates from 2.5 mg to a maximum of 15 mg over 20+ weeks
Each dose is a single weekly or daily injection. The dose increases gradually to help your body adjust and minimise side effects. You inject under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. There are no drops involved—drops would not be effective for these medications because they need to bypass your digestive system to work properly.
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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
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Understanding GLP-1 Dosage Escalation and Weight Loss Projections
GLP-1 medications work best when the dose is increased gradually over weeks. Clinical trials show that prescription weight loss medication helps participants lose an average of 14–21% of their body weight on the maximum dose, alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—though individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will assess your health and recommend a starting dose, then adjust it based on how you respond. This escalation approach reduces nausea and other side effects while allowing your body to adapt. To understand what your current weight means and track potential progress, use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see estimated outcomes at different doses, and our free BMI calculator to establish your baseline health category.
- 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.
Are GLP-1 weight loss medicines available as drops in the UK?
No. All UK-licensed GLP-1 weight loss medications (Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro) are delivered as injectable pens, not drops. They must be injected under the skin because this route bypasses your digestive system, allowing the medication to work effectively. Drops would be broken down by stomach acid and would not work for weight management.
What is the starting dose of GLP-1 for weight loss?
Starting doses vary. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg, Saxenda at 0.6 mg, and Mounjaro at 2.5 mg. Your prescriber will recommend a starting dose based on your individual health and will increase it every 1–4 weeks depending on the medication. Gradual escalation reduces side effects and helps your body adapt.
How often do you inject GLP-1 weight loss medication?
Wegovy and Mounjaro are once-weekly injections. Saxenda is a daily injection. Most people find once-weekly injections more convenient. You can inject on the same day each week, making it easy to remember. Your prescriber will advise on the best schedule for you.
Can I adjust my GLP-1 dose myself?
No. All GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and dose adjustments must be made by your prescriber following clinical assessment. Never increase or decrease your dose without medical guidance. If you experience side effects or have concerns, contact your prescriber immediately for advice.
How much weight will I lose on GLP-1 medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 14–21% of body weight on maximum doses, alongside lifestyle changes—but individual results vary. Some people lose more, others less. Your prescriber cannot assures specific weight loss amounts. Factors like diet, activity, genetics, and how your body responds all affect outcomes. Use our weight loss calculator for a personalised estimate.
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.