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
GLP Weight Loss Oral Solution — What You Need to Know
Currently, there is no GLP-1 weight loss oral solution available in the UK — all prescription weight loss medications using GLP-1 technology are injectable. The most widely known options are Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), both delivered as once-weekly injections. This guide explains how GLP-1 weight loss works, why injections are the current UK standard, and what alternatives exist for weight management across the NHS and private prescribing services.
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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 Requires Injections in the UK
GLP-1 receptor agonists are complex biological molecules that break down quickly in the digestive system if taken by mouth. To remain effective, they must bypass stomach acid and be delivered directly into the bloodstream — which is why all UK-licensed GLP-1 weight management medications are injections.
Injectable options available in the UK include:
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — once-weekly injection, approved for weight management (up to 2.4 mg dose)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — once-weekly injection, dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism (up to 15 mg dose)
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — daily injection, GLP-1 only (up to 3 mg dose)
In clinical trials, these medications helped participants lose an average of 14–21% of body weight over 68 weeks alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly.
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.
Weight Loss Alternatives Without Injections
If injections are not suitable for you, several evidence-based weight loss approaches are available across the NHS and privately. Non-medication options include: structured diets (NHS Weight Loss Plan), behaviour change programmes, physical activity support, and digital weight management apps.
Access to injectable GLP-1 medications in the UK is through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) or private online prescribing following clinical assessment. Your GP can discuss all available options and refer you to appropriate services. Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI and eligibility context, and explore our weight loss projection calculator to estimate potential outcomes with GLP-1 medication.
- 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 tablet available in the UK?
Not currently. All GLP-1 weight management medications licensed in the UK are injections: Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. GLP-1 molecules cannot survive stomach acid, so oral delivery is not yet viable. Research into oral semaglutide continues globally, but no oral weight loss GLP-1 is approved for UK use at present.
Why can't GLP-1 medications be taken as tablets?
GLP-1 is a peptide hormone that breaks down rapidly in the digestive system. Oral delivery would require protective coating technology that currently does not exist for these medications. Injectable delivery ensures the molecule reaches the bloodstream intact and maintains therapeutic levels.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg) and is not licensed for weight loss in the UK. Wegovy is the weight management version with higher doses (up to 2.4 mg) specifically approved for weight management. Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label and not recommended.
Can I get GLP-1 weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes, through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Access requires referral from your GP and assessment by the specialist service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private prescribing is also available through UK-licensed online prescribers without NHS referral.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for GLP-1 weight loss treatment?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea). Speak to your GP about referral to specialist services, or use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI starting point.
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.