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
Soup and Weight Loss — What You Need to Know
Soup can play a helpful role in weight management when prepared with lower-calorie ingredients, as it tends to keep you fuller for longer. However, for effective and sustainable weight loss in the UK, many adults also explore prescription weight management options alongside dietary changes. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication. Our free BMI calculator can help you check where you currently sit, and our weight loss projection calculator shows what different approaches might achieve.
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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults looking to manage their weight in the UK, three prescription medications are currently licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are all prescription-only medicines that work by helping regulate appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals.
- Mounjaro: A once-weekly GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist; clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy: A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist; evidence from clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda: A daily GLP-1 injection offering a different dosing schedule for those who prefer frequent engagement.
All three are used alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity — they work best as part of a comprehensive weight management approach, not as a substitute for lifestyle changes. Individual results vary considerably.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Support in the UK
You can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes: the NHS or private prescribing. The NHS route involves referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP; availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment, without needing an NHS referral.
Start by having a conversation with your GP about your weight management goals. They can assess your eligibility, discuss whether medication is appropriate for you, and explain both NHS and private options. You can also use our free weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with different approaches, helping you make an informed decision before your GP appointment.
- 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 eating soup help me lose weight?
Soup can support weight loss when prepared with lower-calorie ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins, and broth-based stocks. Soup tends to increase satiety (feeling fuller), which may help reduce overall calorie intake. However, creamy or high-sugar soups can be calorie-dense. The key is choosing lower-calorie options and combining them with other lifestyle changes like regular physical activity.
What are the main differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist and may show slightly higher average weight loss (~15–21%) compared to Wegovy's (~15%). Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist only. Individual results vary, and a prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you personally.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may have lower eligibility thresholds. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak with your GP about your options.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, but you must be referred by your GP. Availability, eligibility criteria, and waiting times vary significantly across different NHS regions and integrated care boards. Some areas have shorter waits than others. Your GP can tell you what's available in your area.
What is the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication?
NHS medication is available through specialist services (longer wait times, no direct cost to you). Private prescribing offers faster access through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment, though you pay for the prescription and medication out of pocket. Both routes require a proper clinical assessment to ensure medication is suitable for you.
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.