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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Does Green Tea Aid Weight Loss? UK Prescription Options
Green tea is often promoted as a weight loss aid, and some evidence suggests it may offer modest metabolic benefits. However, for adults seeking more effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available through NHS and private routes. If you're looking to lose weight, it's worth understanding both the evidence around supplements like green tea and the prescription-only options that may be suitable for your situation. This guide explains what research shows and how to access prescription weight loss treatment in the UK.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Management Options
For adults in the UK with a BMI of 30 or above (or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions), prescription weight loss medications are available. These are far more effective than supplements and are the evidence-backed approach to weight management recommended by the NHS.
Three medications are licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with average weight loss around 15% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, typically producing modest weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
All three are prescription-only and require clinical assessment before being prescribed. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential results at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check your current eligibility threshold.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Treatment in the UK
There are two routes to prescription weight loss medication in the UK: the NHS route and the private route.
NHS access: 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. However, treatment is free once approved.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. No NHS referral needed. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider.
Your first step is a conversation with your GP to assess your eligibility and discuss which approach is right for you. Use the weight converter on this page to check your current weight context, then make an informed decision.
- 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.
Does green tea actually help with weight loss?
Some research suggests green tea may offer a small metabolic boost, potentially supporting modest weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. However, the effect is very modest — typically less than 1 kg over 12 weeks. For significant weight loss, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are far more effective and evidence-backed.
What BMI do I need to qualify for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above generally qualify. If your BMI is 27–29.9, you may be eligible if you have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. You can check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss in the UK?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works on two hormone pathways and showed average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) works on one pathway with average weight loss around 15%. Individual results vary significantly, and your prescriber will advise which is suitable for you.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS specialist weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria. However, access varies by region and waiting lists can be long. Ask your GP about referral to a tier 3 weight management service in your area, or explore private prescribing if you wish to start sooner.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks with Mounjaro, and around 15% with Wegovy. However, individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on your starting weight, dose, adherence, and lifestyle changes. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to monitor your personal journey.
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.