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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Lymphatic Massage and Weight Loss — What Works in the UK
Lymphatic massage is sometimes promoted as a weight loss aid, but evidence for direct weight loss is limited. If you're looking for clinically proven weight management support in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy may be available through NHS services or private prescribing for eligible adults. This guide explains what the evidence shows about lymphatic massage, introduces UK-licensed weight loss medication options, and helps you understand your choices for sustainable weight management.
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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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medication — Clinical Options
For adults seeking evidence-based weight management in the UK, three prescription medications are currently 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 body weight alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. Maximum dose: 15 mg once weekly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight. Maximum dose: 2.4 mg once weekly.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A GLP-1 agonist given as a daily injection. Results vary individually.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Access is available through NHS weight management services (tier 3 specialist teams) or via private online prescribing with a UK-licensed prescriber. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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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 Find Out If You're Eligible
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply.
NHS route: Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. Waiting lists vary by region and can be lengthy.
Private route: Contact a GPhC-registered online pharmacy offering weight loss prescriptions. A UK-licensed prescriber will assess your suitability.
Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and speak with your GP about which option suits your circumstances best.
- 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.
Does lymphatic massage help with weight loss?
Lymphatic massage may help reduce bloating and fluid retention temporarily, which can make you feel lighter. However, there is no strong clinical evidence that it causes actual fat loss or sustainable weight reduction. It may feel beneficial as part of a wellness routine but should not be relied upon as a primary weight loss tool.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), while Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 only. Mounjaro may produce slightly greater average weight loss in trials. Both are once-weekly injections. Clinical evidence suggests Mounjaro resulted in around 15–clinically studied weight loss vs Wegovy's approximately 15%, though individual results vary significantly.
Can I get weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro and Wegovy are approved for NHS use in specialist weight management services (tier 3). You need a GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have long waiting lists. Private prescribing offers faster access but involves paying for the medication.
How much weight can I expect to lose with these medications?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight depending on the medication and dose. However, individual results vary widely. Some people lose more, some less. These medications work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — they are not standalone solutions.
What happens if I stop taking weight loss medication?
Weight loss medications work while you take them. If you stop without establishing sustainable lifestyle changes, weight may return gradually. This is why they are prescribed alongside dietary changes and exercise. Your prescriber will discuss long-term management and maintenance strategies with you.
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.