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 Cheese Healthy For Weight Loss?
Cheese can be part of a weight loss plan if eaten in controlled portions, as it's high in protein and calcium but also calorie-dense. However, sustainable weight loss in the UK typically combines dietary changes with other approaches—including prescription weight loss medication for eligible adults. Whether you're adjusting your diet or exploring medical options like Mounjaro or Wegovy, understanding how different foods fit into your overall strategy is important. This guide covers cheese and nutrition, plus the weight management options available to UK adults through the NHS and private prescribing.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you're working towards weight loss in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications are licensed for eligible adults. These work alongside dietary changes—not instead of them.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection administered once weekly. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, though individual results vary.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. STEP trial data demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight at 68 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, less commonly prescribed than the once-weekly options.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment from a UK-licensed prescriber to determine if they're suitable for you. You can use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, or calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to check your current health metrics.
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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.
NHS vs Private Access and How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is via referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service—typically requiring a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is through GPhC-registered online prescribing services, available without NHS referral and often faster, though costs apply (typically £129–£320 monthly depending on dose).
To explore your eligibility and options, start a conversation with your GP about prescription weight loss medication. They can assess your individual health, discuss whether you meet the criteria, and either refer you to NHS specialist services or advise on private routes. Track your progress with our free progress tracker alongside any dietary or medical interventions you choose.
- 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 cheese actually bad for weight loss?
Cheese is calorie-dense but high in protein and calcium, making it useful in small portions for weight loss. The key is portion control—typically 30g (1oz) as a snack or added to meals rather than eating freely. It's not "bad," just needs balancing within your overall calorie intake.
Can prescription weight loss medication like Mounjaro help if I love cheese?
Yes. Mounjaro and Wegovy work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller portions. Many users report naturally eating less of all foods, including high-calorie items like cheese, without needing strict elimination diets.
How do I know if I'm eligible for NHS weight loss medication in the UK?
You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea). Speak to your GP who can assess your individual circumstances and refer you to specialist weight management services.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss in trials (~20.9% at maximum dose). Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only (~15% average). Both are once-weekly injections requiring a prescription and clinical assessment.
Can I use the weight loss calculator on MyWeightCheck without a prescription?
Yes—our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator is informational and helps you understand potential outcomes at different doses. However, any actual prescription medication requires a clinical assessment from a UK-licensed prescriber, whether through the NHS or private routes. ```
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.