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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Healthy Recipes and Snacks for Weight Loss in the UK
Healthy eating is central to sustainable weight loss, but many people wonder if diet and exercise alone are enough. If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, the good news is that both lifestyle changes and prescription weight management options are available. This guide explains what healthy snacking and recipes can achieve, and introduces the prescription medications that may help if you're eligible for weight management support through the NHS or private prescribing.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medication — Who Can Access It?
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three licensed options are available:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that acts as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when used alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Evidence from the STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at 68 weeks.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, an alternative option for some patients.
All three are prescription-only medicines and require a clinical assessment to determine suitability. Individual results vary considerably, and these medications are used alongside healthy eating, not instead of it.
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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 Find Out If You're Eligible
You can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes in the UK. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — ask your GP for a referral, though availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access is available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment; this route does not require an NHS referral.
Whichever route you choose, healthy eating remains essential. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you stand, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different medication doses if you become eligible. Start the conversation with your GP about whether prescription weight management support is right for you.
- 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.
Can I lose weight with healthy recipes and snacks alone?
Yes, healthy eating and physical activity can lead to sustainable weight loss. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg per week, typically achieved through a 500 kcal daily deficit. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions, prescription medication may provide additional support alongside lifestyle changes.
What makes a snack healthy for weight loss?
Healthy weight loss snacks are high in protein or fibre, lower in calories, and help you feel fuller longer. Examples include Greek yoghurt, nuts, vegetables with hummus, and whole grain crackers. These help prevent overeating at main meals and support sustainable weight management.
How do Mounjaro and Wegovy fit into a healthy eating plan?
Prescription GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work alongside — not instead of — healthy eating. They help reduce appetite and food cravings, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. Clinical evidence shows they are most effective when combined with diet and physical activity changes.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility depends on your BMI and health circumstances. A BMI of 30 or above generally qualifies; BMI of 27–29.9 may qualify if you have weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Your GP or a licensed private prescriber can assess your individual eligibility through a clinical consultation.
Should I try diet and exercise first before considering medication?
Many people benefit from healthy eating and activity changes alone. However, if you've found these difficult to sustain, or if your BMI and health situation make you eligible, prescription medication may help you achieve better results. Discuss your options with your GP to decide what's right for you.
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.