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
Green Tea Benefits for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Green tea is often promoted as a natural aid for weight loss, but does the science support it? While green tea contains compounds like catechins and caffeine that may have modest metabolic effects, research suggests the benefits for weight loss are limited on their own. For adults in the UK seeking effective weight management, prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer evidence-backed alternatives, particularly for those with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. This guide explains what green tea can realistically offer and explores the prescription weight loss options available through NHS specialist services and private prescribing in the UK.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're looking for effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications offer stronger evidence than dietary supplements alone. The main prescription weight loss options licensed in the UK are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. The STEP trial showed average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight at 68 weeks.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection, with evidence supporting modest weight loss.
These are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and try our BMI calculator to check if you may meet eligibility criteria.
Weight 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 Get Started
Access to prescription weight loss medication on the NHS varies by region. You can ask your GP about referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, though waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas. Alternatively, weight loss medication is available privately through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultation — no NHS referral needed. A private prescriber will assess your eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and any weight-related conditions. Costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on the medication and dose. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you've started treatment. Whatever route you choose, medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — green tea can be a pleasant addition to a healthy routine, but it's not a substitute for evidence-backed clinical interventions.
- 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?
Green tea contains caffeine and catechins which may have modest metabolic effects, but research shows the weight loss benefit is small — typically less than 1 kg over several months. For meaningful weight loss, prescription medications or significant lifestyle changes are more effective. Green tea can be a healthy part of a balanced diet but shouldn't be relied on as a primary weight loss tool.
What's the difference between green tea and prescription weight loss medication?
Green tea is a dietary supplement with minor metabolic effects; prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are clinically tested treatments that directly affect appetite and food intake. Clinical trials show prescription options result in 15–21% average body weight loss, far exceeding what green tea alone can achieve.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea, may be eligible. Lower thresholds apply for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Your GP or a private prescriber can assess your individual eligibility.
Can I combine green tea with prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, green tea is safe to drink alongside prescription medications. However, if you take oral contraceptives with Mounjaro, use additional contraception for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase, as GLP-1 medication may reduce absorption of oral medications. Always inform your prescriber of all supplements and medications.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
Start by speaking with your GP, who can discuss your BMI, health conditions, and weight management options. Ask about referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service in your area. Alternatively, you can use a private online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to check where you stand against eligibility thresholds. ```
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.