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
Weight Management During Menopause — UK Medication Options
Weight gain during menopause is common and challenging, affecting many UK adults. Hormonal changes, reduced metabolism, and changes in appetite can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. While dietary and lifestyle changes are the foundation of sustainable weight management, prescription weight loss medication is now available in the UK for eligible adults. This guide covers the medication options, eligibility criteria, and how to access support through the NHS or private prescribing routes.
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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 Weight Management Medications
Three prescription-only medicines are licensed in the UK specifically for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
In clinical trials, adults using these medications lost an average of 14–21% of their body weight over 68–72 weeks — though individual results vary significantly. Eligibility depends on your BMI and any weight-related health conditions. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea), may be assessed for prescription weight loss treatment.
Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different medication 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.
Accessing Weight Management Treatment in the UK
NHS route: Speak with your GP about referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. NHS access to prescription weight loss medication is expanding, though availability and waiting times vary by region. Your GP can assess whether you meet eligibility criteria and refer you for specialist assessment.
Private route: Prescription weight loss medication is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route does not require NHS referral and is often faster, though costs apply (typically £150–£350 per month depending on dose).
Either way, a prescriber will assess your health, medical history, and suitability before issuing a prescription. Track your progress using our free progress tracker once you begin treatment.
- 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.
Can I use weight loss medication during menopause?
Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may be prescribed weight loss medication. A prescriber will assess whether it's suitable for you, considering your age, overall health, and any medications you're already taking. Menopause-related weight gain is common and treatable.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
In clinical trials, adults lost an average of 14–21% of body weight — but individual results vary significantly. Some people lose more, some less. Results depend on starting weight, the dose used, adherence to a reduced-calorie diet, and physical activity. These medications work best alongside lifestyle changes.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access in the UK?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services (often with waiting lists) and is free. Private access is through online prescribing and GPhC-registered pharmacies — faster but costs apply. Both require a clinical assessment and prescription. Your GP can advise on NHS eligibility and referral.
Do weight loss medications work for menopausal weight gain specifically?
Weight loss medications work by reducing appetite and supporting fuller feelings — mechanisms that apply regardless of the cause of weight gain. Menopause-related weight gain responds to the same evidence-based treatments as other weight gain. However, always discuss your individual situation with your GP.
Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, but access is through specialist tier 3 services. Availability varies significantly by region (ICB). Your GP can refer you if you meet criteria. Waiting times can be lengthy in some areas. Private prescribing offers faster access but requires payment. Contact your GP to explore what's available locally.
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.