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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What's the Maximum Dosage of Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK — Wegovy is. Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is approved only for type 2 diabetes management at doses up to 2mg weekly. Many people search for "Ozempic weight loss" because of off-label use and media coverage, but the licensed weight management medication in the UK is Wegovy, which reaches a maximum dose of 2.4mg weekly. This guide explains the difference and what the actual prescription weight loss options are.
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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.
Understanding Ozempic vs Wegovy — The Key Difference
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but they are licensed for different purposes in the UK. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes management, with a maximum dose of 2mg once weekly — it is NOT licensed for weight loss. Using Ozempic off-label for weight loss is not recommended by UK healthcare guidelines.
Wegovy is the licensed weight management version of semaglutide, specifically approved for weight loss in UK adults. The maximum dose of Wegovy is 2.4mg once weekly, delivered as a pre-filled pen injection. This higher dose is only available through Wegovy prescriptions, not Ozempic prescriptions.
Both medications work as GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are legally distinct medicines with different indications. Your GP or prescriber will only recommend the appropriate licensed medication for your specific need — Ozempic for diabetes, or Wegovy for weight loss.
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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.
How to Access Weight Loss Medication in the UK
If you're interested in prescription weight loss medication, the UK pathway is clear: ask your GP about referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service, or consult a private prescriber who can assess your eligibility. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea.
Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand projected outcomes with licensed semaglutide medication (Wegovy) at different doses. You can also use our BMI calculator to check your current health category and see whether you might be eligible for prescription weight loss support.
- 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.
Is Ozempic ever prescribed for weight loss in the UK?
Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK, though some doctors may prescribe it off-label. However, Wegovy is the official licensed option for weight management. Always consult your GP about what's appropriate for your situation — they can advise on licensed versus off-label use and risks.
What is the maximum dose of Wegovy for weight loss?
The maximum licensed dose of Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) in the UK is 2.4mg once weekly. Treatment usually starts at 0.25mg and increases gradually over 16+ weeks. Your prescriber will determine the right dose for you based on your response and tolerability.
Why is Wegovy different from Ozempic if they're the same drug?
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically formulated and licensed for weight management at higher doses (up to 2.4mg), while Ozempic is licensed for diabetes at lower doses (up to 2mg). They're different licensed products with different approval pathways and indications.
Can my GP prescribe Wegovy on the NHS?
NHS access to Wegovy is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, not routine GP prescription. You'll need GP referral and assessment. Waiting times vary by region. Private prescription is available faster through online prescribers, though there is a cost involved.
How much weight can I expect to lose with semaglutide?
Clinical trials showed Wegovy helped people lose an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks — though individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on dose, adherence, diet, exercise, and personal metabolism. Results are not assured, and results vary widely between individuals. ```
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.