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
Do Herbal Products For Weight Loss Really Work?
Herbal products for weight loss are widely available in the UK, from tea blends to capsules containing ingredients like green tea, garcinia, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). However, the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited and mixed. While some herbs may offer modest metabolic support, they are not regulated with the same rigour as prescription medications, and most clinical studies show minimal weight loss compared to placebo. For sustainable weight management in the UK, evidence-based approaches combined with lifestyle changes remain the gold standard.
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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.
What Does the Evidence Show About Herbal Weight Loss Products?
Most herbal weight loss products lack robust clinical evidence. Green tea extract, one of the most researched herbal ingredients, shows only modest benefits—studies suggest approximately 1–3 kg weight loss over 12 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet, which is comparable to placebo in many trials.
Key limitations of herbal products include:
- Minimal regulation—herbal supplements are not subject to the same approval process as prescription medications
- Variable ingredient quality—concentrations and purity vary significantly between brands
- Limited clinical trials—few herbal products have been tested in large, rigorous studies
- Small effect sizes—even when effective, weight loss is typically modest and diet-dependent
- Lack of personalised assessment—no clinical evaluation of suitability for your individual health
In contrast, prescription weight loss medications available through the NHS or private prescribing undergo rigorous clinical testing and demonstrate significant, measurable results.
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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.
Prescription Alternatives: Evidence-Based Weight Loss Options in the UK
If you're considering weight loss support, prescription medications are clinically proven alternatives available in the UK. GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have demonstrated substantial weight loss in clinical trials—average results of 15–clinically studied weight loss alongside a reduced-calorie diet. These are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment, but they offer far stronger evidence than herbal products. You can calculate your potential weight loss with our GLP-1 weight loss calculator, and check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to assess your starting point. Always consult your GP about which option 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.
Are herbal weight loss teas really effective?
Green tea and other herbal teas show minimal weight loss in clinical trials—typically 1–3 kg over 12 weeks, often similar to placebo. They may offer modest metabolic support as part of a healthy diet, but are not a primary weight loss tool. No herbal tea is regulated or tested like prescription medication.
What's the difference between herbal products and prescription weight loss medication?
Herbal products are minimally regulated and lack strong clinical evidence. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are rigorously tested, require clinical assessment, and demonstrate significant weight loss results (15–21% average) in clinical trials. Prescription weight management in the UK is evidence-based and personalised.
Can I use herbal supplements alongside prescription weight loss medication?
You should always inform your GP or prescriber about any herbal supplements before starting prescription weight loss treatment. Some supplements may interact with medications or slow gastric emptying. Your prescriber will advise whether it's safe to combine them.
Is herbal weight loss safe for everyone?
Herbal products may cause side effects—digestive upset, allergies, and interactions with other medications. Some ingredients can affect heart rate or blood pressure. Always check ingredient labels and discuss with your GP if you have underlying health conditions, especially if taking other medications.
What's the best evidence-based approach to weight loss in the UK?
The NHS recommends a combination of reduced-calorie diet (500 kcal deficit daily for ~0.5 kg/week loss), increased physical activity, and behaviour change support. For additional support, prescription weight loss medications available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing offer clinically proven results. Our progress tracker can help you log your 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.