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
Can Drinking Matcha Help With Weight Loss?
Matcha is a popular green tea powder that contains caffeine and antioxidants, leading many people to wonder if it can support weight loss. Whilst matcha may offer some modest benefits as part of a healthy lifestyle, the evidence for significant weight loss is limited. For adults in the UK seeking structured weight management, prescription options and NHS support are available. This guide covers what matcha can realistically do, and explores the proven prescription weight loss medication available to eligible adults on the NHS and privately.
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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options for Eligible Adults
If you're exploring weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available for adults who meet eligibility criteria. The main weight loss medication options available on the NHS and privately are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight, on a reduced-calorie diet alongside physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Evidence from clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% of body weight with lifestyle changes.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection for eligible adults.
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may be eligible. Individual results vary, and these medications are prescription-only, requiring clinical assessment by a prescriber or GP.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Support in the UK
If you think you might be eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS, start by speaking to your GP, who can assess your health and discuss options. NHS weight management support is typically delivered through specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, though waiting lists vary by region.
Alternatively, private prescribing services are available — you can access an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber without an NHS referral. Whichever route you choose, use our free BMI calculator above to understand your current BMI category, and explore our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see potential outcomes if you become eligible for medication. Track your progress with our free progress tracker throughout your weight loss journey.
- 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 matcha actually help with weight loss?
Matcha contains caffeine and antioxidants which may provide modest metabolic benefits, but evidence for significant weight loss is limited. It works best as part of a broader, calorie-controlled diet and lifestyle. For substantial, sustainable weight loss, prescription medications are more evidence-based for eligible adults.
What is the most effective weight loss medication available in the UK?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss in clinical trials (15–21% vs approximately 15%), but effectiveness varies between individuals. Both require prescription and clinical assessment. Your GP or prescriber will determine which is most suitable for you.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Ethnicity also affects thresholds — South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may qualify at slightly lower BMIs. Speak to your GP for a personal assessment.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication?
NHS access is through specialist weight management services (tier 3/4) and depends on availability in your area — waiting lists can be long. Private prescribing allows you to access medication sooner through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, but you pay out-of-pocket. Both routes require clinical assessment and prescriptions are prescription-only.
Can I use matcha alongside prescription weight loss medication?
Generally, yes — matcha is a food supplement and safe to drink. However, always inform your prescriber of any supplements or medications you're taking, as some may interact with weight loss injections. Your GP or prescriber will advise you on what's safe to combine with your treatment plan.
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.