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 Eating Dates Good For Weight Loss?
Dates are nutrient-dense but calorie-dense fruits — they contain natural sugars and fibre, which can support satiety if eaten in moderation. However, for meaningful weight loss in the UK, most health professionals recommend a combination of dietary changes and, for eligible adults, prescription weight management options. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current health status, and if you're looking for evidence-based support beyond dietary adjustments, UK-licensed weight loss medications are available through NHS services or private prescription.
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-Licensed Weight Loss Medications
For adults struggling with weight management through diet and exercise alone, the UK has several prescription weight loss options. These are particularly relevant if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that clinical trials showed helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist with evidence supporting average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection offering similar mechanism to Wegovy but with different dosing schedules.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses and understand how these medications work alongside dietary changes.
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.
NHS vs Private Access in the UK
NHS access: Available through tier 3 specialist weight management services. Your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region (ICB). Eligibility is assessed by the specialist team.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber — no GP referral needed, though costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Regardless of route, prescription weight loss medication works best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Discuss your options with your GP to understand which route suits your circumstances and health needs.
- 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 dates helpful for weight loss?
Dates contain natural sugars and fibre, which can promote satiety and support healthy digestion. Eating them in moderation (2–3 dates as a snack) within a calorie-controlled diet may help. However, they are calorie-dense, so portion control is essential. For weight loss, combining dietary choices with physical activity and, if eligible, prescription support is most effective.
What is the best UK weight loss medication?
There is no single "best" medication — the most appropriate choice depends on individual health factors, BMI, and any existing health conditions. Mounjaro and Wegovy are both UK-licensed and have strong clinical evidence. Your GP or prescriber will assess which is suitable for you. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea). Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI. Your GP can then assess your full eligibility and discuss options.
Can I access weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro and Wegovy are available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll need a GP referral, and availability varies by region. Waiting times can be several months in some areas. Private options are also available without NHS referral.
What is a GLP-1 medication and how does it help with weight loss?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone that signals fullness to the brain. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro mimic this, reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21%, though results vary individually. Try our weight loss calculator to understand projected outcomes.
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.