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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Vegetables and Weight Loss — A UK Health Guide
Vegetables are a cornerstone of healthy weight management in the UK. Rich in fibre, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, they help you feel fuller for longer whilst supporting sustainable weight loss. However, diet alone isn't always enough for everyone. Alongside healthy eating habits, prescription weight loss medication is now available through the NHS and private prescribers for eligible adults. This guide explains how vegetables fit into a comprehensive weight management approach in the UK, and what medication options may be available to you.
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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.
UK Weight Loss Medication Options
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection, once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injection, once weekly. Evidence suggests average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injection, once daily.
These medications work by helping regulate appetite and reduce cravings, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet that includes plenty of vegetables. You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses. A prescriber will assess whether medication is right for you during a clinical consultation.
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 vs Private Access in the UK
Accessing weight loss medication depends on your route:
- NHS: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services by referral from your GP. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
- Private: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment. No NHS referral needed, though costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
Whether you choose NHS or private weight management, medication works best alongside dietary changes, including a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Speak to your GP about your options, or if you're eligible, request an online assessment with a licensed prescriber. Use our free BMI calculator above to check where you fall on the health weight scale, and track your progress with 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.
How do vegetables help with weight loss?
Vegetables are low in calories but high in fibre, which helps you feel full longer and supports stable blood sugar. They're nutrient-dense, meaning you get lots of vitamins and minerals without excessive calories. A diet rich in vegetables supports sustainable weight loss and works well alongside other weight management strategies, including prescription medication if eligible.
Can I lose weight on diet alone without medication?
Yes, many people lose weight through diet and exercise changes alone. The NHS recommends a gradual approach of 0.5–1 kg per week. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication may be available and could significantly support your efforts alongside healthy eating.
What is a GLP-1 weight loss medication?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and fullness signals. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 medication — even more powerful for appetite regulation. Both are prescription-only, once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in UK adults. They work best alongside diet and exercise, not instead of them.
Am I eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Eligibility is assessed individually. Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service to find out if you qualify. NHS access varies significantly by region.
How long does weight loss medication take to work?
Most people notice appetite reduction within the first few doses, though significant weight loss typically becomes visible after 8–12 weeks. Weight loss injections work gradually and sustainably — clinical evidence supports average weight loss of 15–21% over six months to a year. Individual results vary considerably, and medication works best with dietary changes including plenty of vegetables.
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.