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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Weight Loss Plan for Menopause β UK Prescription Options
Weight management during menopause can be challenging due to hormonal changes, slower metabolism, and increased appetite. If lifestyle changes alone aren't delivering results, prescription weight loss medication may be an option. This guide explains the UK-licensed medications available, eligibility criteria, and how to access them through the NHS or privately. Our BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight status, whilst our GLP-1 weight loss calculator shows projected results if you're considering medication.
10,000+ calculations today Β· NHS-aligned thresholds Β· 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/mΒ²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure β it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution β 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 β 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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
Three prescription medications are licensed in the UK for weight management and may be suitable for adults during menopause:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) β a once-weekly injection combining GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15β21% of body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) β a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical evidence shows average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) β a daily GLP-1 injection, typically producing 5βclinically studied weight loss.
Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. All are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment and are typically used alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care β 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 β 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 β completely free.
NHS vs Private Access and Getting Started
NHS route: Ask your GP about referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Access varies significantly by region and waiting times can be long. Many NHS areas now commission tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and some offer semaglutide (Wegovy).
Private route: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. No NHS referral needed, though costs typically range from Β£130βΒ£320 per month depending on dose.
Either way, a prescriber will assess your individual health, medications, and suitability. Track your progress using our free progress tracker once you've started your weight management plan.
- 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 β 5mg β 7.5mg β 10mg β 12.5mg β 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15β17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg β 0.5mg β 1mg β 1.7mg β 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 | 15β22.5% | 12β17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20β32 weeks | 16β20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | Β£150βΒ£250/month | Β£150βΒ£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 β 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 menopause make weight loss harder?
Yes. During menopause, oestrogen decline slows metabolism by approximately 2β8%, increases hunger hormones, and promotes fat storage around the abdomen. This can make weight loss via diet and exercise alone more difficult, even if you're eating the same amount as before menopause.
Can I use prescription weight loss injections during menopause?
Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work regardless of menopausal status. Always discuss with your GP or prescriber whether they're appropriate for you, especially if you're taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Will Mounjaro or Wegovy interfere with HRT?
Both GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, which *may* affect absorption of oral medications including some HRT preparations. Inform your prescriber of all medications you're taking. They may advise timing doses separately or switching to alternative HRT delivery methods like patches or gels.
How quickly will I lose weight on prescription medication?
Results vary individually. Clinical trials show average weight loss develops over weeks to months, with doses increasing gradually. Most people see noticeable changes after 8β12 weeks. Individual factors including age, baseline weight, diet, and activity level all influence speed of loss.
Is weight loss medication the only option during menopause?
No. Lifestyle approaches β increased physical activity, strength training, adequate sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet β remain important and should always be the first approach. Prescription medication is considered when lifestyle alone hasn't achieved sufficient results, typically after 3β6 months of effort.
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.