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
Natural Remedies for Weight Loss — UK Prescription & Lifestyle Options
While many people search for natural remedies for weight loss, the evidence shows that combining lifestyle changes with prescription medication offers the strongest results for eligible adults. If you're struggling with excess weight, understanding what's available through the NHS and private prescribing in the UK can help you make an informed decision about the right approach for your health. MyWeightCheck's free tools, including our GLP-1 weight loss calculator and BMI calculator, can help you assess your starting point and explore realistic outcomes.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For adults seeking effective weight management in the UK, prescription medications are now available alongside diet and lifestyle changes. The most widely used options are Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), both licensed GLP-1 receptor agonists that help regulate appetite and support sustainable weight loss.
Eligibility criteria:
- BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, OR
- BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease)
- Lower thresholds apply for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage
In clinical trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, and Wegovy approximately 15%, though individual results vary significantly. These medications are prescription-only and require clinical assessment before being prescribed. Use our free weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses alongside your lifestyle changes.
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: How to Access Weight Loss Support
In the UK, weight management support is available through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing routes. NHS access: You can ask your GP for a referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, though waiting lists and regional availability vary significantly. Private access: Online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers are available without NHS referral, with prescription dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. Either route requires a clinical assessment to confirm the medication is suitable for you. Start by discussing your weight management goals with your GP, who can advise on NHS options or help you understand whether prescription medication might support your progress alongside diet and exercise. Our free BMI calculator can help you prepare for this conversation by showing your current health metrics.
- 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.
Are there natural supplements that work as well as prescription weight loss medication?
While some supplements like green tea extract and glucomannan show modest evidence for weight loss support, they are not as effective as prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy. The strongest evidence supports prescription GLP-1 medications combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Always discuss any supplements with your GP before starting, especially if you take other medications.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly greater average weight loss (15–21% vs 15%), though individual results vary. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, both medications are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, but access and waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB. You'll need a GP referral. Private access is also available through online prescribing services. Speak to your GP about your options and what's available in your area.
How quickly will I see weight loss results from prescription medication?
Weight loss typically becomes noticeable after 4–8 weeks as doses are gradually increased. Most significant loss occurs between weeks 8–16. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. Results vary between individuals and depend on your diet, activity level, and which medication you're taking.
What should I do if I'm interested in exploring prescription weight loss options?
Start by booking an appointment with your GP to discuss your weight management goals and health history. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible and refer you to NHS specialist services, or advise on private options. Use our free BMI calculator and weight loss calculator to prepare for this conversation with concrete information about your current health metrics and 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.