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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Private Weight Loss Clinics in the UK — What You Need to Know
If you're searching for a private weight loss clinic near you, you have several options available in the UK. Prescription weight management medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are now accessible through private online clinics alongside traditional face-to-face services. Many UK adults find private clinics helpful when NHS waiting lists are lengthy. This guide explains what's available, who is eligible, and how private and NHS options compare so you can make an informed decision about weight management treatment.
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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 Medications
Three prescription-only medications are licensed in the UK for weight management in eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once weekly, available at doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight at the highest dose.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given once weekly up to 2.4 mg. Trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, less commonly prescribed than the weekly options.
To determine if you're eligible for prescription weight loss medication, you'll need a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you stand, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator 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 Weight Loss Clinics — Key Differences
NHS access: Prescription weight management is available through NHS tier 3 specialist services, but access is limited and waiting lists can extend several months to years depending on your region. You'll need a GP referral and assessment by a specialist multidisciplinary team.
Private access: Private weight loss clinics offer faster access without NHS referral. You complete an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, receive a prescription if suitable, and medication is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Costs vary from approximately £129–£320 monthly depending on dose and provider. Both routes provide legitimate, prescription-only treatment — the difference is speed and convenience. Start by discussing your options with your GP, who can advise on NHS eligibility and waiting times in your area.
- 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.
What makes someone eligible for private weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above are typically eligible, or those with a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Lower BMI thresholds may apply for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. A UK-licensed prescriber will assess your individual health during a consultation.
How much do private weight loss clinics cost in the UK?
Costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the medication dose. Mounjaro and Wegovy prices vary by dose — starting doses are cheaper than maintenance doses. Private clinics also charge consultation fees (usually £30–£100). Some providers offer package pricing or ongoing subscription models, so compare options.
Can I switch from NHS to private weight loss treatment?
Yes, you can move between NHS and private treatment. If NHS waiting lists are very long, many people start with a private clinic. If you later access NHS services, inform your prescriber of any previous treatment. Conversely, if you start privately, you can discuss NHS options with your GP at any point.
Is MyWeightCheck a weight loss clinic or pharmacy?
No — MyWeightCheck is a free health information and calculator website. We provide BMI calculators, weight converters, GLP-1 weight loss projections, and progress tracking tools. We do not prescribe medication or sell treatment. Use our free BMI calculator and weight converter to assess your current weight status, then consult your GP or a private prescriber for treatment options.
How quickly can I start private weight loss treatment in the UK?
Private clinics typically complete online consultations within 24–48 hours. If approved, prescriptions are issued and medication is often dispatched within 2–5 working days. This is significantly faster than NHS routes, which may involve months of waiting. However, medication costs are higher privately than through the NHS.
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.