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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Nuts for Weight Loss: What Works in UK Weight Management
Nuts can be part of a healthy weight management plan, but they're calorie-dense and work best as part of a structured approach. If you're struggling with weight management despite lifestyle changes, prescription weight loss medication may be available to you in the UK. This guide covers dietary choices like nuts, eligible prescription options including Mounjaro and Wegovy, and how to access support through the NHS or private prescribing. Understanding all your weight management uk options helps you make informed decisions with your GP.
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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 looking to lose weight in the UK, prescription weight loss medications are available for eligible adults alongside dietary changes. The main options are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. STEP trial data showed an average weight loss of around 15% body weight, again alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, available for some eligible adults.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. They're not replacements for lifestyle changes like improved nutrition and exercise — they work best alongside them. Weight loss injections are available through NHS specialist services or private online prescribing in the UK.
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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.
Who Is Eligible and How to Access Support
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds apply — eligibility may start at BMI 27.5.
NHS access: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Start by speaking with your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication could support your journey alongside diet and exercise.
- 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 nuts good for weight loss?
Nuts are nutritious but calorie-dense — a handful (28g) contains 160–200 calories. They can fit into weight management if portion-controlled and counted within your daily calorie intake. They're best paired with a structured weight management plan, possibly including medication if eligible, rather than relied upon as a weight loss tool alone.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trial data suggests Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (~20.9% vs ~14.9%), but results vary individually. Both are once-weekly injections requiring prescription and clinical assessment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea). Lower thresholds apply for some ethnicities. Use our BMI calculator to check your BMI, then discuss with your GP whether medication might be appropriate for you.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS?
Yes, NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) prescribe Mounjaro and Wegovy for eligible adults. Access requires GP referral and varies significantly by region — waiting lists can be months to years. Private online prescribing is also available without NHS referral.
Should I use nuts or medication for weight loss?
Both can play a role. Nuts fit into a balanced diet when portion-controlled. If you're struggling with weight despite diet and exercise, prescription medication may help — discuss with your GP. Most people benefit from combining dietary changes, physical activity, and (if eligible) medication.
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.