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
Turmeric and Weight Loss — What Works in the UK
Turmeric has long been used in traditional medicine and contains curcumin, which some research suggests may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, when it comes to weight management in the UK, prescription medications are the most evidence-based approach for eligible adults. If you're interested in weight loss support, it's worth understanding both natural supplements and the clinically proven options available through the NHS and private prescribing. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current position, and explore what weight loss medication options might be right for you with your GP's guidance.
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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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medication Options
If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, several prescription medications are available for eligible adults. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a once-weekly injection that activates dual GIP and GLP-1 hormone pathways, and Wegovy (semaglutide), a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both have demonstrated significant results in clinical trials: Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight, whilst Wegovy showed approximately 15% average weight loss — though individual results vary considerably.
- Mounjaro doses range from 2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly, with escalation over time
- Wegovy doses escalate from 0.25 mg to a maximum of 2.4 mg weekly
- Both are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment
- Access available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing
These medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential weight loss projections at different doses, which can help inform conversations with your prescriber about what might work for your situation.
Weight 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.
Eligibility and Getting Started with Your GP
Eligibility for prescription weight loss medication in the UK depends on your BMI and any weight-related health conditions. You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to get a clear picture of where you stand.
The first step is to speak with your GP about weight loss medication in the UK. They can assess your individual health situation and refer you to NHS specialist services if appropriate. Alternatively, you can access prescription weight management through private online prescribing following a clinical assessment. Either route requires a proper evaluation — no medication should be started without professional guidance. Your GP is the best starting point for personalised advice.
- 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 turmeric actually help with weight loss?
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties in research. However, evidence for direct weight loss is limited. For significant, evidence-based weight loss support in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have much stronger clinical evidence. These are available for eligible adults through NHS services or private prescribing.
What are the most effective weight loss options available on the NHS?
The NHS offers tiered weight management support, including tier 3 specialist services where prescription medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda may be prescribed. Access is through GP referral and varies by region. Your GP can advise you on local availability and eligibility based on your BMI and health conditions.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point, then speak with your GP about whether prescription medication might be suitable for you.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy — but individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the dose, adherence, diet, and exercise. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes based on different doses and your starting weight.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access is through GP referral to specialist tier 3 services; availability varies by region and waiting lists can be long. Private access is through online prescribing following a clinical assessment, available without NHS referral but at cost. Both routes require proper clinical evaluation — no medication is prescribed without assessment.
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.