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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Sleep Hypnosis for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Sleep hypnosis is often marketed as a weight loss solution, but clinical evidence for its effectiveness is limited. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription medications and structured lifestyle support are better-researched options. This guide explains what the science actually says about hypnosis, and outlines the prescription weight management options available to UK adults through the NHS and private prescribing. Your GP can help you explore what's right for your situation.
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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.
Evidence-Based Weight Management in the UK
While some people report modest benefits from hypnotherapy, clinical trials don't show strong evidence that sleep hypnosis alone produces meaningful, sustained weight loss. The NHS recognises that weight management works best through a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity, and sometimes prescription medication.
UK-licensed prescription options for weight management include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Evidence shows average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection.
All three are prescription-only medicines that work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes with these medications.
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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.
NHS vs Private: How to Access Weight Loss Medication in the UK
In the UK, prescription weight management medication is available through two routes:
- NHS route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service from your GP. Typically requires a BMI of 30 or above (or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
- Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically suitable, dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral.
Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI and then discuss your options with your GP. They can advise whether prescription weight loss medication is appropriate for you, or can refer you to specialist services.
- 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.
Does sleep hypnosis actually work for weight loss?
Clinical evidence for sleep hypnosis as a weight loss tool is very limited. While some people report it helps them feel more relaxed or mindful, it's not supported by strong scientific evidence as an effective standalone weight loss method. Weight management works best through sustained dietary changes, physical activity, and sometimes prescription medication.
What prescription weight loss options are available in the UK?
Three medications are UK-licensed for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists — injectable medications that help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller. All require a prescription and clinical assessment.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
In clinical trials, GLP-1 medications helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, though individual results vary. Weight loss depends on the medication, dose, adherence to treatment, and lifestyle changes. Your prescriber can discuss realistic expectations for your situation.
Can I get weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes, the NHS prescribes weight loss medication through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ if you have weight-related health conditions. Referral comes from your GP. Waiting times vary by region.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication?
Both routes prescribe the same medications. NHS access is through specialist services (with waiting lists that vary by region) and requires GP referral. Private access is faster but involves a cost. Both require a proper clinical assessment and ongoing monitoring by a healthcare professional.
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.