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
Macros for Weight Loss in Females
Macros — short for macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) — play an important role in weight management. However, for many women in the UK, understanding macronutrient balance works best alongside professional support. This guide explains how macros work for weight loss, and introduces prescription weight loss options available through the NHS and private prescribing for eligible adults. Whether you're adjusting your diet or exploring medical support, understanding your starting point — including your BMI and current weight management status — helps you choose the right approach. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you stand, and read on to explore all your options.
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.
How Macros Support Weight Loss
Protein is essential for weight loss in women because it supports muscle retention during calorie deficit, increases satiety (helps you feel fuller longer), and has a higher thermic effect — meaning your body uses more energy to digest it. Aim for approximately 1.6–2.2g per kilogram of body weight daily.
Carbohydrates provide energy for exercise and daily activity. Rather than eliminating carbs, focus on quality sources like oats, brown rice, vegetables, and legumes. Lower carbohydrate intake can help some women, but moderate carbs with adequate protein often proves more sustainable.
Fats support hormone production and nutrient absorption. Include healthy fats from avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish. Fat is calorie-dense (9 calories per gram vs 4 for protein and carbs), so portion control matters.
A typical sustainable macro split for weight loss might be: 30–35% protein, 40–45% carbohydrates, 25–30% fats — though individual needs vary. Crucially, macros work within a calorie deficit. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week, which typically requires a deficit of around 500 calories daily.
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.
Prescription Weight Management Options in the UK
For eligible women in the UK, prescription weight loss medications offer clinical support alongside dietary changes. Three GLP-1 and dual-action medications are licensed for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals, working best with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Eligibility: Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease) may be eligible.
Access: NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services (via GP referral), though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical assessment. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with these medications — individual results vary considerably.
NHS vs Private: NHS services are free but often have waiting lists of several months or longer depending on your area. Private prescribing is available without a waiting list but involves a cost (typically £129–£320+ per month depending on dose and provider). Both routes require clinical assessment and prescription.
Getting started: If you're interested in exploring prescription weight management, your first step is to speak with your GP about your weight management goals and whether you might be eligible. Your GP can refer you to NHS specialist services or advise you on private options. Remember that prescription medications work best alongside sustainable dietary changes — including appropriate macronutrient balance — and regular physical activity. Use our free progress tracker to monitor your results, whether dietary or with medical support.
- 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.
What's the best macro ratio for female weight loss?
There's no single "best" ratio — individual needs vary based on activity level, metabolism, and food preferences. A common starting point is 30–35% protein, 40–45% carbohydrates, and 25–30% fats. The most important factor is maintaining a calorie deficit of around 500 calories daily for sustainable loss of 0.5–1 kg per week, as the NHS recommends. Experiment and adjust based on how you feel and your results.
Can macros alone support weight loss without exercise?
Macronutrient balance can support weight loss through diet alone if you maintain a calorie deficit. However, physical activity significantly improves results by increasing calorie burn, preserving muscle mass, and supporting overall health. The NHS recommends both dietary changes and increased physical activity for the best outcomes. Even moderate activity like brisk walking helps.
What prescription weight loss options are available for women in the UK?
Three medications are licensed in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are prescription-only and available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Individual results vary — clinical trials showed average weight loss of 14–21% of body weight alongside diet and activity changes.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Your GP can assess your eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and any weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI as a starting point, then discuss your options with your GP. They can refer you to NHS specialist services or advise on private options depending on your preference and circumstances.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with macros or medication?
With dietary changes alone, most people see noticeable results within 2–4 weeks if they maintain a consistent calorie deficit. With prescription medications, clinical trials typically showed meaningful weight loss over 12–16 weeks, though this varies individually. Sustainable weight loss is gradual — aim for 0.5–1 kg per week. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to stay motivated and adjust your approach if needed.
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.