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 Loss Options During Menopause in the UK
Weight gain during menopause is a common challenge affecting many UK women. While dietary supplements are widely marketed for menopausal weight management, prescription weight loss medications offer evidence-based support for eligible adults. This guide explains the UK-licensed prescription options available, who may be eligible, and how to access them through the NHS or privately. Understanding these options alongside lifestyle changes can help you manage weight effectively during this transition.
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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
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management and may be considered for eligible adults experiencing weight challenges during or after menopause:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that activates dual GIP and GLP-1 hormone pathways. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A once-daily GLP-1 injection option, approved for chronic weight management in the UK.
All are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Eligibility depends on BMI and health status. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore projected outcomes at different 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.
NHS vs Private Access in the UK
NHS access: Weight loss medications are available through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 NHS weight management services, typically following GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region and local commissioning. Many areas have substantial waiting lists.
Private access: Available through UK-licensed private prescribers following an online clinical assessment. No NHS referral needed. Costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose and provider.
Your GP can assess your eligibility and discuss which pathway suits you best. Prescription weight loss medication works alongside, not instead of, lifestyle changes including diet, physical activity, and managing menopausal symptoms. Track your progress using our free progress tracker.
- 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 take weight loss injections during perimenopause?
Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria. These medications are not contraindicated during perimenopause, though your prescriber will assess your individual health status. Always inform your prescriber of menopausal symptoms and any other medications you're taking, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Does menopause make weight loss harder?
Yes. During menopause, declining oestrogen levels slow metabolism, increase insulin resistance, and shift fat distribution to the abdomen. Combined with reduced physical activity and muscle loss, this makes weight management genuinely more challenging. Evidence-based approaches, including prescription support if eligible, can help.
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 (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease), may be eligible. Lower BMI thresholds apply to people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual eligibility.
What's the difference between menopause supplements and prescription medication?
Menopause supplements are nutritional products with limited robust clinical evidence for weight loss. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating weight loss effectiveness. Both work best alongside lifestyle changes, but prescription options offer stronger clinical support for eligible people.
How long do I need to take weight loss medication?
Prescription weight loss medications are typically continued as long as they're helping and well-tolerated. Weight often returns if treatment stops, so ongoing use alongside sustained lifestyle changes is usually recommended. Your prescriber will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as 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.