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
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Does Kombucha Tea Help with Weight Loss?
Kombucha tea is a fermented beverage that some people believe supports weight loss, though scientific evidence for weight loss claims remains limited. While kombucha may offer certain health benefits, it is not a weight loss solution on its own. If you're interested in evidence-based weight management options in the UK, prescription medications and lifestyle changes are proven approaches. This guide explores kombucha in context and introduces clinically supported alternatives available to eligible UK adults, including NHS weight management support.
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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-Licensed Weight Loss Medication Options
If you're looking for weight loss uk support beyond dietary changes, several prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK. These evidence-based options work alongside diet and exercise, not as replacements.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 injection that helps regulate appetite. In clinical trials, it supported average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical evidence shows average weight loss of around 14.9% of body weight at the maintenance dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A once-daily GLP-1 injection. It is also available on the NHS in some areas, though access varies by region.
All three medications are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check whether you may meet eligibility criteria for prescription weight loss medication.
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 Weight Loss vs Private Access in the UK
NHS weight management uk support is available through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 services, though waiting times and availability vary significantly by region and local ICB. Referral typically comes from your GP following an assessment at your practice.
Private access to prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is available through UK-licensed online prescribers. A clinical assessment is required before prescription. The advantage is faster access without NHS waiting lists, though costs apply (typically £130–£320 per month depending on dose).
Your first step is a conversation with your GP, who can discuss nhs weight loss options, assess your BMI and health history, and explain eligibility criteria. Even if NHS access is limited in your area, your GP can advise on private alternatives and help you decide the best approach for your individual situation.
- 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 kombucha tea effective for weight loss?
Kombucha is a fermented tea with potential health benefits, but there is limited scientific evidence that it directly causes weight loss. Any weight loss associated with kombucha would more likely result from overall calorie reduction or improved digestion rather than the kombucha itself. For proven weight loss support, prescription medications and NHS weight loss programmes have stronger clinical evidence.
What are the best prescription weight loss options in the UK?
The three UK-licensed prescription weight loss medications are Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda — all GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mounjaro has shown the highest average weight loss in clinical trials (15–21% of body weight), but individual results vary. Eligibility depends on BMI and health conditions. Check our BMI calculator to see if you may qualify.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda can be prescribed on the NHS through specialist weight management services (tier 3/4). Access varies significantly by region and local ICB. Your GP can refer you for specialist assessment. Waiting times can be several months to over a year in some areas. Private access is available as an alternative.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with 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), may be eligible. Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. A prescriber will assess your individual circumstances — use our BMI calculator to check your starting point.
How do Mounjaro and Wegovy compare for weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections but work slightly differently. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist and has shown slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy's GLP-1-only approach (around 14.9%). However, individual results vary significantly. A prescriber can discuss which is more suitable for you. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to compare projected outcomes at different doses.
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.