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 Weight Loss Oral Solutions in the UK
GLP-1 medications for weight management are currently available in the UK only as injectable solutions, not as oral tablets or liquids. Wegovy and Mounjaro are both once-weekly injections prescribed for weight management. While research into oral GLP-1 forms is ongoing globally, the licensed weight loss options available to UK adults remain injection-based. If you're exploring weight management options, understanding what's currently available through the NHS or private prescription is essential for making informed health decisions.
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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.
Why GLP-1 Weight Loss Is Currently Injectable in the UK
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are the primary GLP-1 weight management medications licensed in the UK, and both are delivered as once-weekly injections. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) has been studied in oral form globally, but the oral version is not currently approved for weight management in the UK. The injectable forms work by activating GLP-1 receptors in the gut and brain, signalling satiety and reducing appetite. In clinical trials, Wegovy helped participants lose an average of approximately 15% body weight, whilst Mounjaro (a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist) achieved average weight loss of 15–21% across SURMOUNT trials—though individual results vary significantly. Both require a clinical assessment and prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber before dispensing.
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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
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
How to Access GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication in the UK
Access to prescription weight loss medication in the UK follows two main pathways: NHS specialist services and private prescribing. Through the NHS, you can be referred by your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service if you meet eligibility criteria—typically a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Private prescribing is available via online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, allowing faster access without NHS referral. Regardless of route, you'll need a clinical assessment to confirm suitability. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above, and try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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 there an oral GLP-1 weight loss medication available in the UK?
Currently, no. GLP-1 weight loss medications licensed in the UK (Wegovy and Mounjaro) are injectable solutions only. Whilst oral GLP-1 forms exist in research globally, they are not yet approved for weight management in the UK. Always consult your GP or prescriber for the latest information on available treatments.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro injections?
Both are once-weekly injections, but Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 receptors alone, whilst Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. In clinical trials, Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) than Wegovy (around 15%), though results vary between individuals. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
What is the average weight loss with GLP-1 injections in the UK?
Based on clinical trials, Wegovy helped participants lose approximately 15% of body weight on average, whilst Mounjaro achieved 15–21% average loss. These results were achieved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly—some lose more, some less—and weight loss depends on dose, adherence, lifestyle changes, and personal factors.
Can I get GLP-1 weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes. NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) can prescribe GLP-1 medications if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with comorbidities). Access is via GP referral and varies by region. Private prescribing is also available through online consultations without NHS referral, though costs apply.
Are there any side effects with GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain—especially when starting or increasing doses. Most side effects are mild and temporary. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis (severe stomach pain) or gallbladder issues. Always inform your prescriber of any concerns, and report persistent symptoms to your GP.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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