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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PCOS Diet and Weight Loss — UK Prescription Options
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects how your body regulates insulin and hormones, making weight management more challenging. If you have PCOS and are struggling with weight loss through diet and exercise alone, prescription weight management options are now available in the UK. These medications can support your weight loss journey alongside lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. This guide explains the prescription options available, who is eligible, and how to access them through the NHS or privately. Use our BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with prescription support.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options for PCOS
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management and may be suitable for adults with PCOS:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical evidence indicates average weight loss of around 15% of body weight at the maintenance dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection. Typically results in slightly lower weight loss than weekly injections but remains effective for weight management.
All three require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional and are prescribed following a clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Many people with PCOS find that managing insulin resistance through dietary changes (lower glycaemic index foods, increased fibre) and these medications together provides the most effective approach.
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 Eligibility
NHS access: Prescription weight loss medication is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) in your local area. Your GP can refer you if you meet eligibility criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Having PCOS with associated metabolic effects (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk) may strengthen your eligibility. Waiting lists vary significantly by region.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following a clinical consultation. No NHS referral required. Access is faster but involves a cost (approximately £129–£320 monthly depending on dose and provider).
Next step: Speak to your GP about weight management medication. They can assess your eligibility, discuss the benefits and side effects, and either refer you to NHS services or support your private prescribing decision. Your GP can also help you optimise your PCOS diet and monitor your progress using our free progress tracker.
- 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 I get weight loss medication on the NHS if I have PCOS?
Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria. You need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. PCOS with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes risk strengthens your case. Speak to your GP about referral to your local NHS tier 3 weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary by region.
How do GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro help with PCOS?
These medications help regulate appetite and food intake, supporting a calorie deficit needed for weight loss. They also improve insulin sensitivity, which directly addresses the hormonal imbalance underlying PCOS. Many people with PCOS find combined dietary management (lower glycaemic index foods) and GLP-1 medication highly effective.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) in clinical trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss around 15%. Both are once-weekly injections. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you based on your individual health profile.
How long do I need to take weight loss medication?
This varies individually. Many people continue medication long-term to maintain weight loss, as weight often returns if treatment stops. Your prescriber will discuss the expected duration with you based on your PCOS management goals, metabolic health, and individual response.
Are weight loss injections suitable for PCOS if I'm trying to conceive?
No — these medications are not recommended during pregnancy or when actively trying to conceive. If you're planning pregnancy, discuss your weight management plan with your GP or fertility specialist. They may suggest optimising weight through diet and exercise first, or continuing medication until conception is planned.
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.