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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Weight Loss Medication for Pancreas Problems in the UK
If you have pancreas problems and are considering weight loss, prescription medication may be an option worth exploring with your GP. Weight management can help reduce strain on your pancreas and improve overall health outcomes. In the UK, several prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These medications work alongside lifestyle changes—diet and physical activity—to support sustainable weight loss. This guide explains the UK-licensed options, eligibility criteria, and how to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about whether weight management medication might be suitable for you.
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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 Weight Management Medications
Three prescription-only medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management in adults: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists that work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after eating.
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection approved by MHRA for weight management. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—though individual results vary significantly.
Wegovy is also a once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with an average weight loss of around 15% in clinical trials. Saxenda is a daily injection option for those who prefer daily dosing.
All three require a prescription from a UK-licensed healthcare provider and are only available following a clinical assessment to ensure suitability for your individual health profile.
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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.
Eligibility and NHS vs Private Access
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your BMI instantly.
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services—your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies offering consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, without needing an NHS referral.
The first step is always to discuss weight management with your GP. They can assess whether medication is appropriate for your pancreas health, potential medication interactions, and which route—NHS or private—suits you best.
- 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 weight loss medication help if I have pancreas problems?
Weight management can reduce metabolic strain and improve pancreas health outcomes. However, eligibility for prescription medication depends on clinical assessment by your GP or prescriber. Some medications may affect pancreas function, so a healthcare professional must evaluate your individual situation before prescribing.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials show Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (up to 21% vs 15%), but both require prescription and clinical assessment. Your prescriber will determine which is more suitable based on your health.
How do I access weight loss medication through the NHS in the UK?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30+ or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Waiting times vary by region (ICB). Private prescribing is available without NHS referral through online consultations.
What is the average weight loss with prescription weight loss injections?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight depending on the medication and dose, achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. However, individual results vary significantly. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
Are there side effects I should know about before starting weight loss medication?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort—usually temporary and mild. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis (severe stomach pain). Your prescriber will discuss all risks, benefits, and monitoring during your clinical assessment.
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.