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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Menopause Weight Loss: UK Prescription Medication Options
Weight gain during menopause is common and frustrating, but if you're struggling to lose weight, prescription weight management options are available in the UK. While supplements are widely marketed, clinical evidence is limited for most. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions), you may be eligible for evidence-based prescription weight loss medication through the NHS or privately. This guide explains the options available, who qualifies, and how to start the conversation with your GP.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications
For adults with a BMI in the overweight or obese range, three prescription-only medications are licensed for weight management in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight. It works by activating two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1) to reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, typically offering similar results to Wegovy.
All three require a prescription and clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly. These medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore potential outcomes at different dose levels based on real clinical trial data.
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.
NHS Access vs Private Options and How to Get Started
NHS access: You can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have lengthy waiting lists.
Private access: Prescription weight loss medication is available through UK-licensed online prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies. You'll need a clinical assessment to determine eligibility based on your BMI and health history.
Start by checking your BMI using our free BMI calculator above. If you meet the eligibility criteria, speak with your GP about your options — they can advise on NHS access or support you in exploring private options. Your healthcare provider can assess whether prescription medication is right for you.
- 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 people gain weight during menopause?
Declining oestrogen affects metabolism, appetite regulation, and where the body stores fat. Many women find they gain weight despite eating the same amount as before. Additionally, reduced muscle mass with age and lower activity levels can contribute. Weight gain is a normal part of menopause but is manageable with proper support.
Are menopause supplements proven to help with weight loss?
Most menopause supplements (black cohosh, red clover, sage) have limited clinical evidence for weight loss specifically. They may help with other menopause symptoms, but for weight management, prescription medications backed by large clinical trials are more evidence-based. Speak with your GP about which options suit you.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), may be eligible. Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis by a prescriber. Use our BMI calculator to check your starting point.
Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and are referred to a specialist weight management service. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use. However, availability and waiting times vary by region. Your GP can discuss NHS options with you.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight, but individual results vary significantly. Some people lose more, some less. Results are best when medication is combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Our weight loss calculator can help estimate potential outcomes.
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.