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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Lion's Mane and Weight Loss — What UK Adults Should Know
Lion's mane is a medicinal mushroom supplement that has gained attention online for various health claims, including weight loss. However, there is no robust clinical evidence that lion's mane directly causes weight loss in humans. If you're looking for effective, evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available for eligible adults. This guide explores what lion's mane actually is, why weight loss claims are unproven, and what clinically supported options exist through the NHS and private prescribing in the UK.
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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 Prescription Weight Management Options
If you're interested in weight management in the UK, several prescription medications are clinically proven and licensed specifically for this purpose:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1). Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. STEP trial data showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, also licensed for weight management in UK adults.
All three are prescription-only medicines available through NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing following a clinical assessment. Individual results vary, and these medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses.
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 — How to Get Started
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes:
- NHS route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service from your GP. Eligibility criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease). Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
- Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. No NHS referral needed. Available if you meet clinical eligibility criteria. Costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider.
The first step is a conversation with your GP about whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you based on your individual health and BMI. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and understand where you fall on NHS weight categories.
- 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 lion's mane scientifically proven for weight loss?
No. While lion's mane is studied for cognitive and nerve health, there is no robust clinical evidence that it causes weight loss in humans. Any weight loss experienced by users is more likely due to lifestyle changes, diet, or placebo effect, not the supplement itself.
What are the most effective weight loss medications available in the UK?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) are the only prescription medications licensed in the UK specifically for weight management. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight. All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment.
Can I get weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes, if eligible. You need to be referred by your GP to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Eligibility: BMI 30+, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Availability and waiting times vary by region and ICB.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment?
Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and any weight-related conditions. Use our free BMI calculator on this page to check your current BMI, then speak with your GP about options.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access requires a GP referral to specialist services and varies by region. Private access is available through online prescribers without NHS referral, but costs £129–£320/month. Both routes require a clinical assessment — neither is available without a prescription.
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.