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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NICE Protocol for Weight Management in the UK
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) provides evidence-based clinical guidance that shapes weight management protocols across NHS services in the UK. These protocols determine eligibility for prescription weight loss treatment, including GLP-1 injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Understanding the NICE protocol helps you know what support may be available through your GP and whether you might qualify for specialist weight management services. NICE guidelines align with healthy weight UK recommendations and focus on sustainable, evidence-based approaches rather than quick fixes.
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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.
What Does the NICE Protocol Cover?
NICE protocols for weight management outline a stepped care approach across four tiers. Tier 1 focuses on self-help, digital tools, and community weight loss programmes — this is where our free BMI calculator and weight converter help you understand your personal measurements and health context. Tier 2 involves primary care interventions, behaviour change support, and structured weight loss programmes (such as the NHS Weight Loss Plan). Tier 3 provides specialist multidisciplinary services where prescription weight loss medications may be considered. Tier 4 addresses bariatric surgery for severe obesity with significant health complications.
NICE also provides specific guidance on medication eligibility, safety monitoring, and when different treatment options are appropriate. The protocol emphasises that weight management is not one-size-fits-all — individual assessment, comorbidities, and health goals all inform treatment decisions.
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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.
NICE Weight Management Eligibility Criteria
According to NICE guidance, adults may be eligible for specialist weight management services and prescription treatment if they have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or cardiovascular disease. Lower thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels. NICE protocols also specify that weight loss programmes should be combined with reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity — medications are never used alone. Individuals must undergo clinical assessment before treatment, and ongoing monitoring is essential throughout any weight management 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 NICE protocol for weight management?
NICE protocols are evidence-based clinical guidelines that shape NHS weight management services across the UK. They outline a four-tier stepped care approach from self-help at Tier 1 to specialist services at Tier 3 to bariatric surgery at Tier 4. Protocols specify eligibility for treatments, safety requirements, and monitoring standards.
Who is eligible for NICE weight management services?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may access NICE-guided services. Lower thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. Your GP can assess whether you meet local eligibility criteria.
Does NICE recommend GLP-1 injections like Wegovy?
Yes. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) for use within NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults. Both are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Access varies by region and NHS availability.
Can I access NICE weight management treatment privately?
Yes. While NICE protocols guide NHS services, prescription weight loss medications are also available privately through UK-licensed prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies without NHS referral. Private treatment may be faster than NHS waiting lists in some areas.
How does the NICE protocol relate to healthy weight UK guidance?
NICE protocols align with UK health authority guidance on healthy weight and BMI. Both emphasise sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week, combined lifestyle changes, and individual health assessment. Our free BMI calculator helps you determine your starting point according to these UK standards.
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.