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
PCOS Weight Loss Meal Plan and Prescription Options in the UK
Managing weight with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is challenging because the condition affects insulin and hormone levels, making weight loss harder than it is for others. While a structured meal plan remains the foundation of PCOS weight management, many UK adults with PCOS also qualify for prescription weight loss medication. This guide explains what prescription options are available through the NHS and privately, who is eligible, and how to start a conversation with your GP about weight management support.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Prescription Weight Loss Options for PCOS
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight when combined with dietary changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Average weight loss in trials was around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection. Slightly lower average weight loss than Mounjaro or Wegovy.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. For PCOS specifically, prescription weight loss medication may be offered if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions — which PCOS-related insulin resistance often qualifies as. Results vary significantly between individuals. Calculate your current BMI using our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point.
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 Access vs Private Options in the UK
NHS access: GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications are available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3). Your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and can be lengthy. Ask your GP whether your local integrated care board (ICB) funds tirzepatide or semaglutide for weight management.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical consultation. No NHS referral needed, though costs vary (typically £129–£320 monthly depending on dose). Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you start any weight loss programme, whether medication-supported or diet-based.
Either route should be combined with a structured PCOS meal plan focusing on low glycemic index foods, adequate protein, and consistent calorie deficit for sustainable results.
- 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.
Does prescription weight loss medication work better than a PCOS meal plan alone?
Evidence suggests medication works best combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity, not as a replacement. A PCOS-specific meal plan addressing insulin resistance remains essential. Medication may help you sustain the calorie deficit needed for weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings, but individual results vary significantly.
Am I eligible for Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS with PCOS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. PCOS-related insulin resistance or prediabetes often qualifies as a comorbidity. Contact your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service to discuss eligibility. Private options require a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with GLP-1 medication?
Clinical trials show meaningful weight loss typically becomes apparent within 4–8 weeks, with continued loss over 3–6 months. However, individual timelines vary. Most prescribers start at a low dose and increase gradually over 16–20 weeks, so full results may take several months. Patience and consistent adherence to your meal plan is important.
Can I use weight loss medication if I'm trying to conceive with PCOS?
No. Prescription GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications are not suitable during pregnancy attempts or pregnancy. Discuss contraception and fertility plans with your GP or prescriber before starting. Weight loss itself can improve PCOS fertility outcomes, so focus on sustainable meal planning and lifestyle changes first.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for PCOS weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections and UK-licensed for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has a dual mechanism (GIP + GLP-1) and showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) in trials compared to Wegovy (around 15%). A prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you based on your health profile and other medications.
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.