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
Pressure Points for Weight Loss — Evidence and UK Options
"Pressure points" for weight loss often refers to acupressure or reflexology techniques, but evidence for these methods is limited. If you're looking for effective weight loss support in the UK, prescription weight management options like GLP-1 medications may be more helpful. This guide explains what pressure point therapies claim to do, and outlines the prescription weight loss medication currently available through the NHS and private clinics for eligible adults.
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-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Medication
If you're exploring weight management in the UK, prescription options are available for eligible adults. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications — including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) — are licensed for weight management and work by regulating appetite and supporting feeling fuller after meals.
- Mounjaro: Once-weekly injection with dual GIP and GLP-1 action; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight
- Wegovy: Once-weekly GLP-1 injection; average weight loss around 15% body weight in clinical trials
- Saxenda: Daily GLP-1 injection; approved for weight management in eligible UK adults
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. Individual results vary significantly, and medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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 — How to Get Started
NHS access: You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through a tier 3 specialist weight management service if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). Ask your GP for a referral — availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
Private access: You can access prescription weight loss medication through private online clinics following an online clinical assessment. This route does not require an NHS referral.
Whichever route you choose, a licensed prescriber will assess whether medication is suitable for you based on your individual health. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand your starting point.
- 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.
Do pressure point techniques actually help with weight loss?
Acupressure and reflexology lack strong scientific evidence for weight loss. While some people find them relaxing, they should not replace evidence-based approaches like dietary changes, physical activity, and — if appropriate — prescription medication. Speak to your GP about effective, clinically-proven weight management options.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription injections, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) works on GLP-1 alone. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs ~15%), though individual results vary. A prescriber will recommend which is more suitable for you.
Am I eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service for assessment. Eligibility and waiting times vary by region.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription weight loss injections?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight depending on the medication and dose. However, individual results vary significantly based on genetics, diet adherence, physical activity, and other factors. A prescriber can discuss realistic expectations for you specifically.
Can I get weight loss injections privately without an NHS referral?
Yes. Private online clinics offer prescription weight loss medication following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This does not require an NHS referral, but medication is still prescription-only and costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
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.