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 Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss
Protein smoothies can be a practical part of a weight loss plan, providing satisfying nutrition in a single drink. However, smoothies alone won't create the calorie deficit needed for sustainable weight loss. In the UK, adults struggling with weight management have several options available — from lifestyle changes like improved nutrition to prescription weight loss medications. Understanding how different approaches work together can help you find the right strategy for your health goals.
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 Weight Loss Options: From Smoothies to Prescription Medication
Protein smoothies support weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing overall calorie intake — but they work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For adults in the UK with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, prescription weight loss medications are available.
Currently licensed in the UK for weight management are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 injection given once weekly, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of 15–21% body weight
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection given once weekly, with trials showing approximately 15% average weight loss
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option
These medications are prescription-only and work by reducing appetite and helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions — which can make protein smoothies and other nutrition strategies more effective. Weight loss with medication typically requires a reduced-calorie diet alongside the injection, making smoothies a genuinely useful part of the overall plan.
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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Access in the UK
If you think prescription weight loss medication might be right for you, start by discussing your weight and health with your GP. You can ask about access through NHS specialist weight management services — though waiting lists and availability vary significantly across different regions.
Private access is also available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment. Either route requires a prescriber to assess whether medication is suitable for your individual health. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and calculate your BMI using our free tool to understand your current weight category. Having this information ready for your GP conversation can be helpful.
- 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 protein smoothies alone help me lose weight?
Protein smoothies can support weight loss by increasing satiety and reducing overall calorie intake, but they're most effective as part of a wider reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day for about 0.5 kg per week loss. Smoothies alone won't create that deficit.
What makes a protein smoothie effective for weight loss?
Effective weight loss smoothies include high-quality protein (Greek yoghurt, whey, plant-based powder), fibre (oats, chia seeds, berries), and healthy fats (nut butter, seeds). Avoid added sugars and sweetened yoghurts. Aim for 200–300 kcal per smoothie with at least 20g protein. Portion control matters — smoothies can be calorie-dense.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). Your GP can assess your individual eligibility. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, slightly lower BMI thresholds apply due to higher health risk at lower weights.
How do prescription weight loss injections work alongside diet?
Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy reduce appetite and help you feel fuller after smaller portions — making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. They're not replacements for diet and exercise but tools that support lifestyle changes. Protein smoothies and other nutritious foods remain important alongside medication.
How do I find out if prescription weight loss medication is available to me?
Speak to your GP, who can refer you to NHS specialist weight management services or advise on private options. You'll need a clinical assessment before any prescription. Having your BMI calculated (use our free BMI calculator) and noting any health conditions beforehand can help the conversation.
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.