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
Mushroom For Weight Loss — What Works In The UK
Mushroom supplements are often marketed for weight loss, but scientific evidence for their effectiveness remains limited. If you're looking for medically-supported weight loss UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have strong clinical evidence behind them. These are available to eligible adults through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explains mushroom claims, compares them to prescription options, and shows you how to access proven weight management treatment in the UK.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 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/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 Options
If you're interested in weight management in the UK, prescription medications offer evidence-based alternatives to supplements. Three medications are currently licensed for weight loss:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. STEP trials demonstrated approximately 15% average weight loss at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection. Effective for weight management alongside lifestyle changes.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment. They work by regulating appetite and helping you feel fuller after eating. Unlike supplements, these medications have robust clinical trial data supporting their use. Results vary between individuals, but they're typically used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for best outcomes.
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.
How To Access Weight Loss Treatment In The UK
Weight loss medication in the UK is available through two routes. NHS access: referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access: online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by prescription and dispensing by a registered pharmacy — no NHS referral needed.
To find out if you're eligible, check if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Try our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI, then speak with your GP about prescription weight loss options. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes with different medications.
- 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.
Do mushroom supplements actually help with weight loss?
Limited scientific evidence supports mushroom extracts for weight loss. While some studies suggest modest benefits, results are not comparable to prescription medications. Mushrooms may support overall health, but aren't proven for significant weight management. Prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy have far stronger clinical evidence.
What's the difference between mushroom supplements and prescription weight loss medication?
Mushroom supplements are unregulated products with limited evidence. Prescription medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are licensed by the MHRA, have undergone rigorous clinical trials, and show consistent weight loss results. Prescription options require a clinical assessment but offer proven, measurable outcomes.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition. Lower thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Ask your GP about referral to a specialist weight management service to find out if you qualify.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro, and around 15% with Wegovy, over approximately 68 weeks. Individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on your starting weight, adherence to medication, diet, and physical activity. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator for a personalised estimate.
What's the difference between getting weight loss medication on the NHS vs privately?
NHS access requires a GP referral and assessment by a specialist service — free but often with waiting lists. Private prescribing is available online without an NHS referral, faster access, but you pay the full cost (typically £129–£320 monthly). Both routes require a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber.
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.