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
Quinoa Recipes For Weight Loss
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that can support weight management when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. However, if you're looking to lose weight in the UK, it's worth knowing that prescription weight management options are now available through the NHS and private services. This guide covers both quinoa's role in weight loss and the UK-licensed medications that may help eligible adults, alongside lifestyle changes.
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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
If you're interested in weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available for eligible adults. The most commonly prescribed options are Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide).
Eligibility criteria: You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through the NHS if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may be eligible at lower BMI thresholds.
In clinical trials, GLP-1 weight loss medications helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results 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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Access
NHS route: Speak to your GP about referral to a specialist weight loss medication NHS service. These are typically available through tier 3 weight management services, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
Private route: You can access weight loss injections in the UK through private online prescribing services. A UK-licensed prescriber will assess your eligibility following an online clinical consultation, and medication can be dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Whether you choose quinoa-based meals, work with a dietitian, or explore prescription options, sustainable weight loss works best when combined with physical activity and behavioural support. Use our free progress tracker to log your weight loss journey and stay motivated.
- 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 I use prescription weight loss medication with dietary changes like eating quinoa recipes?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Nutritious foods like quinoa can form part of your overall healthy eating pattern while taking these medications. Your prescriber and dietitian can help you plan an approach that works for you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility, or you can have an online clinical consultation with a private prescriber. Use our BMI calculator above to check your current BMI as a starting point.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access in the UK?
NHS access requires a GP referral to a specialist weight management service, with availability varying by region and potential waiting lists. Private access is available through online prescribing services without NHS referral, typically faster, but involves paying for the medication directly. Both routes require a clinical assessment and prescription.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription weight loss medication?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight at higher doses, though individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the medication, dose, how long you take it, diet, and physical activity. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential results based on current evidence.
Are weight loss injections like Mounjaro available on the NHS in my area?
Availability varies by region in the UK. Some NHS integrated care systems offer tirzepatide (Mounjaro) through specialist weight management services; others may not yet have access. Ask your GP whether specialist weight loss medication services are available locally, or contact your local integrated care board for current information.
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.