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 Medication for Nurses in the UK
As a nurse or healthcare professional, you understand the demands of shift work, long hours, and the physical and emotional toll on your health. If you're carrying excess weight and looking to lose weight, prescription weight management options are available in the UK. These include GLP-1 receptor agonist injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, as well as NHS-supported pathways. This guide covers your eligibility, what's available, and how to start a conversation with your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication might support your health goals.
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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 Weight Loss Medications Available Now
Three prescription-only weight management injections are currently licensed in the UK for eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist given once weekly, with an average weight loss of 15–21% in clinical trials
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given once weekly, with average weight loss around 15% in trials
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, given three times daily at varying doses
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. The NHS supports these medications through specialist weight management services in many areas, though private online prescribing is also available for faster access. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to check where you stand against NHS thresholds.
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 and Next Steps
On the NHS route, you would need referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service — ask your GP about your local service. Waiting lists vary by region; some areas have significant delays. On the private route, you can access an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber without NHS referral, and medications are dispensed by registered pharmacies.
Start by speaking honestly with your GP about your weight health and whether prescription medication might be appropriate for you. They can assess your individual circumstances, discuss side effects (mainly nausea and digestive changes early on), and explain how medication works best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased activity. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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 nurses access weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with health conditions), you can be referred by your GP to a specialist NHS weight management service. However, waiting lists vary significantly by region. Private access is available without NHS referral.
What is a GLP-1 weight loss injection and how does it work?
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite. They may help reduce hunger, support feeling fuller on smaller meals, and slow stomach emptying. Results vary; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 14–21% alongside diet and activity changes.
Are side effects common with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes, nausea and digestive changes (constipation or diarrhoea) are very common, especially in the first weeks. Most side effects improve over time. Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis (severe stomach pain). Always report concerns to your prescriber.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1 only. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss in trials (~20% vs ~15%), but individual results vary. Both are once-weekly injections requiring clinical assessment.
How long do I need to take weight loss medication?
Weight loss medication is typically continued as long as it's helping and you tolerate it well. If you stop, weight often returns, so it works best as part of long-term weight management alongside sustained diet and activity changes. Your prescriber will monitor your progress.
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.