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
Managing Weight During Menopause — A UK Health Plan
Weight gain during menopause is common and often frustrating, but with the right approach, you can manage your weight effectively. Hormonal changes during menopause — particularly falling oestrogen levels — can slow metabolism, increase appetite, and shift where your body stores fat. The good news is that sustainable weight management during menopause combines lifestyle adjustments with support from your GP. This guide covers evidence-based strategies, NHS weight loss options, and how to track your progress through this life stage.
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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 Menopause and Weight Changes
During menopause, oestrogen levels drop significantly, which affects how your body regulates weight. This hormonal shift can increase appetite, reduce metabolism, and encourage fat storage around the abdomen — even if your eating habits haven't changed. You may also experience disrupted sleep, mood changes, and reduced physical activity, all of which contribute to weight gain.
On average, women gain 5–8 kg during the menopausal transition. However, this is not inevitable. Research shows that combining increased physical activity, dietary adjustments, and adequate sleep can help prevent or manage menopause-related weight gain.
- Metabolism can slow by 2–8% per decade after age 30, accelerating during menopause
- Oestrogen helps regulate appetite and fat distribution — its decline directly affects weight management
- Lean muscle mass naturally decreases during menopause, further reducing metabolic rate
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Building Your Menopause Weight Loss Plan
An effective menopause weight loss plan should combine dietary changes, regular physical activity, sleep optimisation, and stress management. Start by checking your current BMI using our free BMI calculator — this gives you a baseline to work from. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results.
Key elements of your plan:
- Eat protein-rich foods at each meal to preserve muscle mass and support satiety
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, plus strength training twice weekly
- Prioritise 7–9 hours of quality sleep — poor sleep increases hunger hormones
- Stay hydrated and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen menopausal symptoms
- Track your progress with our free progress tracker to stay motivated
If lifestyle changes alone aren't sufficient after 3–6 months, discuss prescription weight loss medication with your GP, who may refer you to NHS specialist weight management services.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UKFor eligible women during menopause, prescription weight loss medications may help support your plan when combined with lifestyle changes. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) can help by reducing appetite and supporting fuller feelings after smaller meals. These are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment by your GP or a licensed prescriber.
Access through the NHS typically involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Private access is also available through online prescribing services following a clinical consultation. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, though individual results vary significantly. Weight loss medications work best alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity — they're a tool to support your plan, not a replacement for lifestyle adjustments.
- 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.
Why do women gain weight during menopause?
Falling oestrogen levels slow metabolism, increase appetite, and change where your body stores fat — typically around the abdomen. These hormonal shifts are natural, but weight gain isn't inevitable. Lifestyle adjustments and, if needed, prescription support can help manage it effectively.
What's the best diet for menopause weight loss?
Evidence supports a balanced approach: adequate protein (25–30g per meal), regular physical activity, and calorie awareness. There's no single "best" diet — Mediterranean and low-glycemic approaches have good evidence. Your GP or a registered dietitian can provide personalised advice.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
The NHS recommends 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable loss. Many women find that consistent effort over 3–6 months yields 5–10 kg loss. Individual results vary based on starting weight, age, metabolism, and adherence to your plan.
Can prescription weight loss injections help during menopause?
Yes, for eligible women, GLP-1 medications like Wegovy may help reduce appetite and support weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. These are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Your GP can discuss whether you qualify and refer you to appropriate services.
Should I see my GP before starting a weight loss plan?
Yes, absolutely. Your GP can assess your individual health, check for conditions affecting weight (like thyroid disease), discuss menopause symptom management, and refer you to appropriate services — including specialist weight management teams or registered dietitians — 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.