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
Is Beetroot Good For Weight Loss?
Beetroot is nutritious and may support overall health, but it's not a weight loss solution on its own. While beetroot contains fibre and beneficial compounds, sustainable weight management typically requires a calorie deficit combined with physical activity. In the UK, adults struggling with weight can access prescription medication through the NHS or private prescribing if they meet eligibility criteria. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore what evidence-based options might be suitable for your situation.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Options
If you're seeking effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications have shown clinical evidence for sustainable results. Three main options are licensed for weight loss:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight on this medication.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a once-weekly injection, with average weight loss around 15% in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, typically resulting in 5–clinically studied weight loss.
All three are prescription-only medicines and require a clinical assessment. They work by helping to regulate appetite and support feeling fuller after meals, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Clinically BackedWeight 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.
Eligibility and NHS vs Private Access
In the UK, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly.
NHS access: Referral to a specialist weight management service through your GP, though waiting lists vary by region. Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, typically faster but involves costs. Your GP can discuss which route is appropriate for you and whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable based on your individual health.
- 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 beetroot actually helpful for weight loss?
Beetroot contains fibre and beneficial nutrients, which support general health. However, there's no clinical evidence that beetroot alone causes weight loss. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, which beetroot alone cannot create. It can be part of a healthy diet, but shouldn't be relied upon as a weight loss solution.
What's the best approach to sustainable weight loss in the UK?
Sustainable weight loss combines a balanced, reduced-calorie diet with regular physical activity. For some people, prescription weight loss medication can provide significant additional support. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
Eligibility typically depends on your BMI and any weight-related health conditions. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, may qualify. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility and discuss options.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) uses a dual mechanism targeting two hormone pathways, while Wegovy (semaglutide) targets one pathway (GLP-1). Clinical trial data shows Mounjaro may result in slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (around 15%), though individual results vary significantly.
Can I access prescription weight loss medication privately if I'm not eligible for NHS treatment?
Yes. Private prescribing is available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. This route doesn't require NHS referral and is often faster, though it involves costs. Always ensure you're using a GPhC-registered pharmacy to ensure safety and legitimacy.
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.