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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Self Love and Weight Loss — A UK Guide to Prescription Options
Weight loss is deeply personal, and self-compassion matters as much as the practical steps you take. While motivational quotes can inspire, sustainable weight management in the UK increasingly includes prescription support. If you're struggling with weight loss, your GP can assess whether prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy might be suitable alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explores the balance between self-care and evidence-based weight management options available to UK adults.
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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 Weight Loss Medications — What's Available
For eligible UK adults, three prescription-only weight loss medications are available: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are not quick fixes—they work alongside reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity, which are the foundations of sustainable weight management. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight at the highest dose. Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, achieved average weight loss of approximately 15% in clinical trials. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses, though individual results vary significantly.
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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.
Getting Support — NHS Versus Private Routes
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access typically involves referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service from your GP—availability varies greatly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical assessment, without needing NHS referral. Your GP can help you explore which route is right for you and whether you meet eligibility criteria. Whichever path you choose, self-compassion remains essential—weight loss is rarely linear, and sustainable progress combines medical support, dietary changes, physical activity, and mental wellbeing. Try our free BMI calculator to understand your current health status as a starting point for an informed conversation with your healthcare provider.
- 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 weight loss quotes actually help me lose weight?
Motivational quotes can support mindset and consistency, but they're not enough alone. Evidence shows sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit, physical activity, and often behavioural support. For many UK adults, prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy—combined with lifestyle changes—provide additional tools beyond motivation.
What does self love have to do with weight loss?
Self-compassion is linked to better long-term outcomes. People who approach weight loss with kindness rather than shame tend to stick with healthy habits longer. This means being realistic about progress, accepting setbacks without guilt, and recognising that weight loss is influenced by genetics, medications, and health conditions—not just willpower.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. For South Asian, Black African, Black Caribbean, or Chinese adults, lower thresholds may apply. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility following a clinical consultation.
How quickly can I expect weight loss with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% over 72 weeks with Mounjaro, and approximately 15% with Wegovy. However, results vary widely between individuals. These medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—not as replacements for lifestyle changes.
What if I'm not eligible for prescription medication?
The NHS Weight Loss Plan, community weight management programmes, and digital tools (like our free weight converter and progress tracker) support self-directed weight loss. Your GP can also refer you to tier 2 or tier 3 services for structured behaviour change support, even if prescription medication isn't appropriate for you currently.
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.