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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Soup Diet Weight Loss — UK Medication Options
A soup diet can be part of a weight management approach, but prescription medication may also help eligible UK adults achieve sustainable results. This guide covers how soup-based eating fits into an overall weight management strategy, and explores the prescription weight loss options available through the NHS and private prescribing in the UK. Individual results vary significantly, and any medication requires a clinical assessment from a healthcare professional.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
Three prescription-only weight management medications are currently licensed in the UK for eligible adults: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist injections that may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals, working alongside dietary changes like soup-based diets.
- Mounjaro — dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; once-weekly injection; doses 2.5–15 mg; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks
- Wegovy — GLP-1 agonist; once-weekly injection; doses 0.25–2.4 mg; evidence suggests average weight loss around 15% of body weight
- Saxenda — GLP-1 agonist; daily injection; dose up to 3 mg; typically produces modest weight loss results
All three require a prescription following a clinical assessment. Eligibility is based on BMI and individual health factors. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to check whether you might qualify for prescription weight loss support.
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 Prescription Weight Loss Treatment in the UK
Access to prescription weight loss medication in the UK is available through two routes. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — you would typically be referred by your GP, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultation with a GPhC-registered pharmacy, usually without needing an NHS referral.
The first step is to speak with your GP about whether prescription weight loss treatment might be suitable for you, especially if you have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Your GP can assess your individual circumstances and discuss whether medication, alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity, is appropriate. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses — this can help inform your 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 I use a soup diet alone to lose weight?
Yes, soup diets can support weight loss if they create a calorie deficit, as soups are often lower in calories and can help you feel fuller. However, research shows that sustainable weight loss typically combines dietary changes with increased physical activity. For some people, prescription medication alongside a reduced-calorie diet (including soup-based meals) may provide additional support. Individual results vary.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), may be eligible. Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI, then discuss eligibility with your GP, who can assess your individual circumstances and whether medication is appropriate for you.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections for weight management, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 15 mg, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg. Clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may produce slightly greater average weight loss, but individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medication is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3), typically accessed via GP referral. However, availability and waiting times vary considerably by region. Private access is also available through UK-licensed online prescribers without needing an NHS referral. Your GP can discuss both options with you.
How quickly will I lose weight on prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over several months, but individual results vary significantly. The NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. Medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet (including nutritious options like soups) and increased physical activity. Track your progress with our free progress tracker.
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.