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
Does Turmeric Help With Weight Loss?
Turmeric is often promoted as a natural weight loss aid, but the evidence for significant weight loss is limited. While curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) has shown promise in some small studies for supporting metabolism and reducing inflammation, it is not considered a weight loss medication. If you're looking to manage your weight in the UK, prescription options are available for eligible adults. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight category and whether you might benefit from discussing weight management options with your GP.
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-Licensed Weight Loss Medications
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three medications are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that activates GLP-1 and GIP pathways. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection with average weight loss of around 15% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, available for eligible adults.
These are prescription-only medicines that require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. Unlike supplements, they have robust clinical evidence backing their effectiveness for weight management uk when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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:
- NHS: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service via your GP. Availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
- Private: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, no NHS referral needed, typically faster access.
Start by speaking to your GP about your weight management goals. They can assess your eligibility and discuss whether prescription medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination approach is right for you. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to track your weight category as you progress toward your goals.
- 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.
Is turmeric scientifically proven to help with weight loss?
No single study proves turmeric causes significant weight loss in humans. While curcumin (turmeric's active ingredient) shows anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies, clinical evidence for substantial weight loss is weak. Turmeric may support general health, but it is not a weight loss medication.
What is the difference between supplements like turmeric and prescription weight loss injections?
Supplements like turmeric are not regulated as medicines in the UK and lack clinical trial evidence for weight loss. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have undergone rigorous clinical trials, are licensed by the MHRA, and have proven efficacy for weight management when combined with lifestyle changes.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over several months. However, individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will discuss realistic expectations based on your personal health profile.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Speak to your GP about weight management options. You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP can refer you to a specialist weight management service.
Can I use turmeric alongside prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, turmeric as a culinary spice or supplement is generally safe alongside prescription medications. However, always inform your prescriber about any supplements you're taking, as some may interact with prescription medicines or affect medication absorption.
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.