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
Saxenda Shots For Weight Loss — What You Need to Know
Saxenda is a prescription-only injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults. It contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that may help reduce appetite and support weight loss alongside diet and exercise. Unlike Mounjaro (which is once weekly) or Wegovy (also once weekly), Saxenda requires a daily injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of around 5–10% of their body weight, though individual results vary significantly. Access in the UK is available through NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing following a clinical assessment.
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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.
How Saxenda Works and Eligibility
Mechanism of action: Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a class of weight management medication that activates natural hormone pathways to help regulate appetite. It works by signalling to your brain that you feel full after smaller meals, slowing how quickly food leaves your stomach, and supporting better control of food cravings.
Who can use Saxenda: Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition, may be eligible. Weight-related conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, or sleep apnoea. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, NHS thresholds are lower (BMI 27.5 or above). Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to check where you fall.
Those under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, or with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer cannot use Saxenda. A licensed prescriber will assess your individual health history before prescribing.
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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.
Saxenda Dosing and Weight Loss Results
Saxenda is administered as a once-daily injection, starting at 0.6 mg and gradually increasing over several weeks to a maximum of 3 mg daily. Clinical trials showed participants on the maximum dose lost approximately 5–10% of their body weight over 56 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Results vary — some people achieve greater loss, others more modest results.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation, particularly in the first few weeks. Most side effects improve over time. Serious side effects are rare but include severe stomach pain (pancreatitis) or gallbladder problems. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor changes over time, and always report any side effects to your prescriber.
- 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.
Is Saxenda the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?
All three contain semaglutide or similar GLP-1 compounds, but they're different products. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection licensed for weight management. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection also licensed for weight loss. Ozempic is semaglutide licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss — using it for weight loss is off-label. Ask your prescriber which is most suitable for you.
How long does Saxenda take to work?
Weight loss with Saxenda is gradual. Most people notice appetite reduction within the first few weeks, but measurable weight loss typically takes 8–12 weeks. Consistent use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise produces the best results. Some people lose weight faster than others depending on individual metabolism and adherence.
Can I get Saxenda on the NHS?
Yes, Saxenda is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services for eligible adults. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private prescribing through online consultation is also available in the UK without NHS referral, typically costing £30–£50 per week depending on dose.
What's the difference between Saxenda and other weight loss injections?
Saxenda is a daily injection, while Mounjaro and Wegovy are both once-weekly. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist (potentially more powerful), Wegovy is GLP-1 only, and Saxenda is also GLP-1 but requires daily administration. Clinical trial results differ slightly — try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different medication types.
Who cannot take Saxenda?
You cannot use Saxenda if you're under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or are allergic to liraglutide. Saxenda is not suitable during pregnancy — women of childbearing age should use contraception. Always inform your prescriber of all medical conditions and medications before starting.
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.