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
Protein Powder for Weight Loss in Females: What Works and What's Available in the UK
Protein powder can be a useful tool for supporting weight loss in women, helping maintain muscle during a calorie deficit and reducing appetite. However, diet alone often isn't enough for sustainable weight management. If you're struggling to lose weight despite dietary changes, prescription weight loss medication may be worth exploring. The UK offers several evidence-based options through the NHS and private prescribing, and understanding what's available can help you make informed decisions about your weight management journey.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options for Women
For women in the UK, three prescription-only medications are licensed for weight management alongside lifestyle changes: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These work by mimicking natural hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, helping you feel fuller longer. Clinical trials have shown average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy over 68 weeks, though individual results vary significantly. Saxenda requires daily injections, while Mounjaro and Wegovy are once-weekly options. These medications are prescribed as part of a holistic weight management approach—alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Women with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may be eligible. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate 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 Find UK Weight Loss Support
In the UK, weight management medication is available through two routes: NHS specialist services and private online prescribing. Through the NHS, you can ask your GP for referral to a tier 3 weight management service, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and can be lengthy. Private prescribing via GPhC-registered pharmacies offers faster access and doesn't require NHS referral, though there is a cost. Either route requires a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility and suitability. Your GP can discuss which option suits your circumstances, or you can pursue private assessment independently. Alongside any medication, maintaining adequate protein intake, regular physical activity, and tracking progress with our free progress tracker can help maximise your results and support long-term weight management success.
- 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 women use protein powder alone to lose weight?
Protein powder can support weight loss by increasing satiety and preserving muscle mass during calorie deficit, but diet alone often produces modest results. It works best combined with reduced calorie intake and physical activity. For many women, prescription weight loss medication may provide additional support if eligible.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for women?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed in the UK for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with average weight loss of 15–21%, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single GLP-1 agonist with average loss around 15%. Both work similarly in appetite regulation, but Mounjaro may be slightly more effective for some individuals. A prescriber assesses which suits you best.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
You're typically eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Speak to your GP about referral to specialist NHS services, or arrange a private online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Either route will assess your individual eligibility and suitability.
Is protein powder necessary if I'm taking weight loss medication?
Protein powder is not essential but can be helpful alongside medication. Adequate protein intake—whether from powder, food, or both—helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss and supports satiety. Check with your prescriber about any specific dietary recommendations with your medication.
How quickly will I see weight loss results with medication?
Results vary individually and depend on the medication, dose, and your lifestyle. Clinical trials showed average steady weight loss over 68+ weeks. You may notice reduced appetite within days, but significant weight loss typically takes weeks to months. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can show estimated timelines based on medication type and 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.