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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What Is the Maintenance Dose of Ozempic After Weight Loss?
A common question is what happens after you lose weight with a semaglutide injection — and whether you stay on the same dose or reduce it. It's important to clarify that Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss in the UK. Wegovy is the licensed weight management version of semaglutide. If you're using either medication for weight loss, your GP or prescriber will guide your long-term management based on your individual results and health needs. Let's explore how maintenance dosing typically works and what you should expect.
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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.
Understanding Ozempic, Wegovy, and Weight Loss Maintenance
Ozempic (semaglutide up to 2 mg) is approved in the UK for type 2 diabetes management, while Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg maximum) is the licensed weight loss version. This is an important distinction because Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK, even though it contains the same active ingredient. If you're using semaglutide for weight management through prescription weight loss UK services, you'll typically be on Wegovy or through a specialist NHS weight loss programme.
After reaching your target weight, there are several approaches your prescriber may take:
- Continue at maintenance dose: Many people stay on 2.4 mg Wegovy weekly to maintain their weight loss, as the hormone effects diminish once you stop the medication
- Gradual dose reduction: Some prescribers may reduce your dose under clinical supervision
- Planned discontinuation: Others may suggest stopping after a defined period, alongside continued lifestyle changes
- Intermittent use: Some evidence suggests periodic dosing may help maintain weight loss, though this is still being researched
The key is that weight management is individual — your GP or prescriber will assess what works best for your situation, BMI, and health goals.
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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.
Long-Term Weight Management and Lifestyle Integration
Research shows that weight often returns if semaglutide is stopped without sustained lifestyle changes. This is why prescription weight loss medication is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behaviour change — not as a replacement for them. Clinical trial data (STEP trials for Wegovy) tracked weight loss over 68 weeks, but long-term maintenance beyond stopping the medication depends on whether the dietary and exercise habits established during treatment continue.
If you've lost weight successfully and are thinking about long-term management, discuss these points with your prescriber: whether to continue your current dose, the timeline for any changes, signs that your weight is returning, and how to strengthen your lifestyle habits. Use our free progress tracker to log your weight and identify patterns. Your GP can also refer you to NHS weight loss programmes or dietitian services for additional 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.
Is Ozempic licensed for weight loss in the UK?
No. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes management. Wegovy is the licensed version for weight management. Both contain semaglutide, but they have different indications. Using Ozempic for weight loss would be off-label in the UK. Always ensure your prescription is for the correct licensed medication for your indication.
What happens to weight after stopping semaglutide?
Clinical evidence shows weight often returns when semaglutide stops. This is why the medication works best alongside permanent lifestyle changes — reduced-calorie diet and regular activity. Your prescriber may recommend staying on maintenance dosing or transitioning to lifestyle-based management depending on your results.
Can I reduce my Wegovy dose after losing weight?
Dose changes should only be made by your prescriber. Some people maintain at 2.4 mg, others may reduce under medical supervision. Individual outcomes vary widely. Never change your dose without clinical guidance, as this affects both effectiveness and side effect management.
How long should I stay on weight loss medication?
There's no universal timeline. STEP trials tracked 68 weeks of Wegovy use, but long-term duration depends on your health goals, how well you maintain lifestyle changes, and your prescriber's assessment. This should be reviewed regularly with your GP or weight management service.
What's the difference between BMI-based eligibility and maintenance dosing?
Your initial BMI determines whether you're eligible for prescription weight loss medication (typically BMI 30+, or 27+ with health conditions). After starting, maintenance dosing is personalised based on your weight loss response and how well you tolerate the medication, not just your BMI. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current status.
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.