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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Supplements and Weight Management for PCOS — UK Options
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can make weight loss challenging due to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance. While supplements are widely advertised for PCOS, evidence for most is limited. In the UK, if you have PCOS and are struggling with weight management, prescription options like GLP-1 weight loss injections may be available through your GP or specialist services. This guide explores what's supported by evidence and how to access weight management through the NHS. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point and understand your eligibility for different weight loss approaches.
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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 in the UK
If you have PCOS and a BMI of 27 or above (or 30 or above without other health conditions), you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through the NHS or privately. The most commonly prescribed options are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight when combined with diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical evidence from the STEP trials demonstrated approximately 15% average body weight loss.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection.
These are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. PCOS patients with insulin resistance may particularly benefit from GLP-1 medication as these drugs help improve insulin sensitivity alongside appetite regulation. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
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.
NHS Access vs Private Prescription — How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss treatment is available through two routes:
- NHS: Referral to a specialist tier 3 or 4 weight management service by your GP. Availability varies significantly by region (Integrated Care Board). Waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
- Private: Online prescription services allow you to request a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. If approved, medication is dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Start by talking to your GP about your weight management goals and PCOS diagnosis. They can discuss whether prescription options are appropriate for you and explain local NHS waiting times. If you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions, or BMI 30+), you may qualify immediately. Track your progress alongside any treatment using our free progress tracker.
- 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 supplements effective for PCOS weight loss?
Evidence is mixed. Inositol, spearmint tea, and vitamin D show some promise in small studies, but results are modest and inconsistent. Supplement quality is not regulated like medication. If you're struggling with PCOS weight loss, discuss prescription options with your GP — these have stronger clinical evidence.
Why are GLP-1 injections recommended for PCOS?
PCOS is typically linked to insulin resistance. GLP-1 medications improve insulin sensitivity whilst reducing appetite, making them particularly suitable for PCOS management. They also support weight loss alongside diet and exercise, addressing both hormonal and metabolic factors.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS for PCOS?
Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 27+ with weight-related conditions, or BMI 30+). PCOS counts as a significant health condition. However, NHS availability depends on your region. Waiting times vary considerably. Your GP can refer you to your local specialist weight management service.
What's the difference between supplements and prescription weight loss treatment?
Supplements are not regulated with the same rigour as medications. Prescription weight loss drugs (Mounjaro, Wegovy) have undergone clinical trials and are licensed by the MHRA. They demonstrate measurable weight loss outcomes; supplements show much weaker evidence and variable quality.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Generally, if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (PCOS qualifies), you may be eligible. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your BMI, then speak to your GP about eligibility and local availability. They'll assess your individual circumstances.
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.