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
Are Steroids Used for Weight Loss in the UK?
The short answer is no — steroids are not a recognised or recommended treatment for weight loss in the UK. However, the term "steroids" is sometimes confused with other prescription weight loss medications. This guide explains what steroids actually are, why they don't help with sustainable weight loss, and what prescription weight management options are actually available through the NHS and private clinics in the UK.
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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.
Understanding Steroids vs Weight Loss Medications
Corticosteroids (like prednisolone) are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. They actually cause weight gain as a side effect, not weight loss. They increase appetite and fluid retention.
Anabolic steroids are controlled substances sometimes misused by bodybuilders to build muscle mass. They are illegal to possess without a prescription and do not support healthy weight loss. They carry serious health risks including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal disruption.
Neither type of steroid is used or recommended for weight loss in the UK. The NHS does not prescribe steroids for weight management. If you're searching for "steroids for weight loss," you may actually be looking for prescription weight loss medications — which are completely different medicines with a different mechanism of action.
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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.
Actual Prescription Weight Loss Options in the UK
The UK's only prescription weight loss medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists and related injectables such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). These are not steroids. They work by mimicking natural hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Clinical trials showed that Wegovy helps adults lose an average of around 15% of body weight, whilst Mounjaro showed results of 15–21% — individual results vary significantly. These are available through NHS specialist weight management services (with varying waiting times by region) or through private online prescribing following a clinical assessment. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to see whether you might be eligible for prescription weight loss support.
- 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.
Are steroids ever used for weight loss?
No. Corticosteroids cause weight gain, not loss. Anabolic steroids are controlled substances with serious health risks and are not prescribed for weight management. The NHS does not recommend steroids for weight loss. If you've heard about "steroids" for weight loss, this may be a misunderstanding — actual prescription weight loss medications are GLP-1 medicines, which work completely differently.
What's the difference between steroids and GLP-1 weight loss medications?
Steroids are hormonal drugs used to treat inflammation or build muscle (in the case of anabolic steroids). GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription injectables that mimic natural appetite-regulating hormones. They work via a completely different biological pathway and are licensed specifically for weight management in the UK.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services. Access varies significantly by region. Your GP can refer you. Availability and waiting times vary.
What are the actual prescription weight loss options available in the UK?
The main options are Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment. Mounjaro and Wegovy are once-weekly injections. These are available through NHS specialist services (with regional variation) or through private online prescribing following a consultation with a licensed prescriber.
Are weight loss injections safe?
Prescription weight loss medications have been clinically tested and approved by the MHRA. However, like all medicines, they have potential side effects — nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation are common, particularly in the early weeks. A prescriber will assess whether the medication is suitable for you and monitor your response. Always discuss any concerns with your GP or prescriber.
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.