The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
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- 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 Hypnotherapy Help With Weight Loss in the UK?
Hypnotherapy is sometimes promoted as a weight loss tool in the UK, but what does the evidence actually show? Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique where a trained practitioner uses guided relaxation and suggestion to help change behaviours and thought patterns. For weight management, the theory is that hypnotherapy can address psychological barriers to healthy eating, reduce cravings, and support motivation. However, evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. This guide explores what hypnotherapy is, how it's used for weight loss, and how it compares to evidence-based approaches supported by the NHS and clinical research.
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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 the Evidence Says About Hypnotherapy and Weight Loss
Research into hypnotherapy for weight loss shows mixed but cautiously positive results. Some studies suggest hypnotherapy may support modest weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, but results are variable and not assured. A 2021 systematic review found that hypnotherapy alone produced limited weight loss, but when paired with behavioural support and dietary advice, outcomes improved. The effect size is typically modest — averaging around 2–3 kg weight loss in clinical trials — considerably less than prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, which show average weight loss of 15–21% body weight in clinical trials.
Important context: hypnotherapy is not an NHS-funded treatment for weight loss in most areas, and there is no standardised regulation of hypnotherapists in the UK. The quality and effectiveness of hypnotherapy depends heavily on the individual practitioner's training and your own responsiveness to the technique. Unlike prescription weight loss medication available through NHS specialist services or private prescription, hypnotherapy is not assessed for safety through clinical trials or regulated by the MHRA.
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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.
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How Hypnotherapy Works for Weight Loss
Hypnotherapy aims to work by accessing the subconscious mind through deep relaxation, with the goal of identifying and changing unhelpful eating behaviours, reducing food cravings, and increasing motivation for healthy lifestyle changes. A hypnotherapist might use suggestions around feeling satisfied with smaller portions, losing the appeal of certain foods, or building confidence in sticking to health goals.
However, the mechanism isn't fully understood scientifically, and individual responses vary significantly. Some people find hypnotherapy helpful as part of their overall weight management journey alongside exercise, dietary changes, and structured support. Others see little benefit. If you're considering hypnotherapy, check that the practitioner is accredited by a recognised body such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) or the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH). Always discuss weight loss approaches with your GP, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
- 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.
Is hypnotherapy NHS-funded for weight loss in the UK?
Hypnotherapy is not routinely funded by the NHS for weight loss. NHS support for weight management is typically through tier 1 (digital tools and community programmes), tier 2 (GP-led behaviour change support), or tier 3 (specialist multidisciplinary services where prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy may be offered). Hypnotherapy, if accessed, would be private and out-of-pocket.
How much weight can you lose with hypnotherapy?
Evidence suggests hypnotherapy alone typically results in modest weight loss of around 2–3 kg. Results vary considerably between individuals and depend on the practitioner, your responsiveness to hypnosis, and whether it's combined with other lifestyle changes. It's not a replacement for calorie reduction and increased physical activity, which remain the foundations of sustainable weight loss.
Is hypnotherapy more effective than weight loss medication?
No. Clinical trial evidence shows prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro (average 15–clinically studied weight loss) and Wegovy (average clinically studied weight loss) produce significantly greater weight loss than hypnotherapy alone. Hypnotherapy may support motivation and behaviour change alongside medication and lifestyle modifications, but it is not a substitute for evidence-based approaches.
How do I find a qualified hypnotherapist in the UK for weight loss?
Look for practitioners accredited by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) or the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH), which maintain standards of training and practice. Ask about their experience with weight management, costs (usually £60–£150 per session), and whether they combine hypnotherapy with dietary and exercise advice for better outcomes.
Should I try hypnotherapy instead of seeing my GP about weight loss?
No. Always speak to your GP first about weight management. Your GP can assess your health, discuss evidence-based options (including prescription weight loss medication if appropriate), rule out underlying conditions, and refer you to NHS specialist weight management services if needed. Hypnotherapy may be a complementary tool alongside medical support, not a replacement for it.
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