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
What Support Must the NHS Provide for Weight Management?
The NHS provides comprehensive weight management support across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland through a tiered care system. Understanding what your local health service must offer is essential for accessing the right help at the right time. This guide explains the NHS weight management pathway, eligibility criteria, and how to begin your weight loss journey with NHS support today.
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.
The NHS Four-Tier Weight Management System
The NHS uses a structured approach to weight management across four tiers. Tier 1 includes self-help resources, digital tools (like our free BMI calculator), and community weight management programmes available to all adults. Tier 2 offers primary care interventions delivered by GPs or practice nurses, including behaviour change support and group programmes such as the NHS Weight Loss Plan. Tier 3 provides specialist multidisciplinary weight management services for adults with BMI ≥30 or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, typically including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists. Tier 4 offers bariatric surgery for severe obesity with significant comorbidities. Each tier builds on the previous level, ensuring stepped care aligned with individual needs and NHS health advice standards.
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.
Eligibility, Access, and Next Steps
You may be eligible for NHS weight management support if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or obstructive sleep apnoea. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, eligibility may start at lower BMI thresholds. To begin, speak with your GP who can assess your individual situation and refer you to appropriate services. Waiting times for specialist tier 3 services vary by region; some areas have delays of several months. Your GP can also recommend tier 1 or tier 2 support while you wait. Use our free weight converter to track your progress in familiar UK measurements as part of your weight loss journey.
- 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.
What is the first step to access NHS weight management support?
Contact your GP and discuss your weight health concerns. Your GP can assess your BMI, identify any weight-related health conditions, and recommend appropriate support starting with tier 1 or tier 2 services. They can also refer you to specialist tier 3 services if needed.
What is included in Tier 2 NHS weight management?
Tier 2 includes behaviour change support from practice nurses or GPs, access to structured weight loss programmes like the NHS Weight Loss Plan, dietary advice, and physical activity guidance. Services vary by region but focus on sustainable lifestyle changes.
How long does it take to access Tier 3 specialist services?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB (Integrated Care Board). Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. Ask your GP about current waiting times in your area and interim support available.
Does the NHS offer weight management injections?
Yes, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are now approved for NHS use within specialist tier 3 weight management services for eligible adults. Access is through your local specialist service, not standard GP prescription. Availability varies by region.
Can I use a BMI calculator to check my eligibility?
Yes, a free BMI calculator is a useful starting point to understand your current BMI category. However, only your GP can assess your individual eligibility based on your full health history, weight-related conditions, and local NHS guidance for specialist referral.
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.