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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Good Weight Loss Recipes: Diet & Medication Options in the UK
Healthy weight loss recipes are an important part of managing your weight, but for many UK adults, prescription medication can provide additional support alongside dietary changes. If you're looking to lose weight, understanding both recipe-based approaches and medical options like GLP-1 injections can help you choose the right strategy for your circumstances. This guide covers evidence-based recipe ideas and explains how prescription weight management works in the NHS and private healthcare settings.
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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 Available in the UK
For eligible UK adults, three prescription medications are licensed for weight management alongside lifestyle changes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection that clinical trials showed helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection with average weight loss of around 15% in clinical trials. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily GLP-1 injection.
To be eligible for these medications, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above if you have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Individual results vary, and these medications are most effective when combined with reduced-calorie meals—including healthy weight loss recipes—and increased physical activity.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment before being prescribed.
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.
NHS vs Private Access: How to Start Weight Management in the UK
NHS access: If interested in prescription weight loss medication, speak to your GP about referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. NHS availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
Private access: You can access prescription weight loss medications through registered online prescribing services following a clinical assessment. This route does not require NHS referral.
Whether you choose medication or focus on healthy weight loss recipes and calorie control, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your current weight category and healthy weight range. Track your progress with our free progress tracker alongside dietary changes and medication if prescribed.
- 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.
What makes a good weight loss recipe?
Effective weight loss recipes prioritise whole foods, lean proteins, fibre-rich vegetables, and healthy fats while keeping portions controlled to create a calorie deficit. The NHS recommends aiming for a deficit of around 500 kcal per day for sustainable loss of approximately 0.5 kg per week. Recipes high in protein and fibre help you feel fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake naturally.
Can prescription weight loss medication replace healthy eating and recipes?
No. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work best when combined with reduced-calorie meals and increased physical activity. They support appetite control and help you feel fuller after smaller portions, making it easier to stick to healthy weight loss recipes. Medication is a tool to support lifestyle changes, not a replacement for them.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds may apply. Speak to your GP or a licensed prescriber to assess your individual eligibility and health circumstances.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight management?
Both are prescription injections taken once weekly, but they work via different mechanisms. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro resulted in slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (around 15%). Results vary individually, and your prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trial data shows average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over several months, but individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on your starting weight, adherence to medication, dietary changes, physical activity level, and individual metabolism. Always discuss realistic expectations with your prescriber.
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.