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
How to Get Rid of Loose Skin After Weight Loss
Loose skin after significant weight loss is a common concern, particularly when weight loss happens quickly. While your skin has remarkable elasticity, rapid weight reduction can sometimes leave excess skin. The good news is that several UK-approved approaches—from lifestyle strategies to medical treatments—can help address this issue. For those using prescription weight management in the UK, slower, sustainable weight loss may help minimise skin laxity. This guide explores your options.
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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 Management and Skin Health
For adults with a BMI over 30 or between 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, UK-licensed prescription weight loss options are available. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). An advantage of medically supervised weight loss is that it typically proceeds at a sustainable rate—around 0.5–1 kg per week—which may allow your skin more time to adapt and retract naturally. Clinical evidence shows that GLP-1 weight loss medication helps participants achieve gradual, steady weight reduction alongside lifestyle changes, which is generally gentler on skin elasticity than rapid crash dieting.
- Mounjaro: Dual GIP/GLP-1 injection, once weekly, max 15 mg. Average weight loss approximately 15–21% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Wegovy: GLP-1 injection, once weekly, max 2.4 mg. Average weight loss approximately 15% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda: GLP-1 injection, daily, max 3 mg. Effective for sustained weight management.
All are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Access is available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribers in the UK.
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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Routes in the UK
If you're interested in prescription weight management, your first step is a conversation with your GP. They can assess your eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and weight-related conditions. On the NHS, referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service is required; waiting lists vary by region but can be lengthy. Alternatively, private online prescribing services offer faster access—a clinical assessment is completed online and a prescription issued if appropriate. Either route requires ongoing monitoring. Using our free BMI calculator above, you can check your current BMI to determine if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27–29.9 with comorbidities). Remember, prescription weight loss works best with dietary changes and increased physical activity, and your GP can discuss whether it's 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.
Will loose skin disappear naturally after weight loss?
In many cases, yes—skin has significant elasticity, especially if weight loss is gradual (0.5–1 kg per week). Younger skin typically retains elasticity better. However, after very significant weight loss or in older adults, some loose skin may persist. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins, and regular exercise (including strength training) support skin health and may help it retract over time.
How does slow, medically supervised weight loss help with loose skin?
gradual weight management can strain skin elasticity, increasing loose skin risk. Prescription weight management options in the UK typically produce gradual, steady weight reduction—around 0.5–1 kg per week—giving your skin more time to adapt. This slower approach, combined with lifestyle changes and good nutrition, may help minimise excess skin compared to crash dieting.
What treatments are available for loose skin in the UK?
Options include non-invasive treatments (radiofrequency, ultrasound therapy, laser treatments), topical creams (retinoids, vitamin C), and surgical options like skin tightening procedures. Your GP can refer you to appropriate dermatology or plastic surgery services on the NHS if medically necessary. Private cosmetic clinics also offer various treatments. Discuss which approach suits your situation with a healthcare professional.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea, etc.). Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI. Your GP can assess full eligibility and refer you to specialist services. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access in the UK?
NHS access requires a GP referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service; availability and waiting times vary by region. Private online prescribing services offer faster access following an online clinical assessment—no referral needed. Both routes require prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber and medical monitoring. Your GP can discuss which option suits your situation and timeline.
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.