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
Vegetables for Weight Loss — Plus UK Prescription Options
Vegetables are a cornerstone of any sustainable weight loss plan, packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals whilst being low in calories. However, for adults struggling with weight management in the UK, vegetables alone may not be enough. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication may be available to you alongside dietary changes. This guide explores how vegetables support weight loss and what NHS weight loss options exist for eligible adults in the UK.
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 Prescription Weight Loss Options — Who Is Eligible?
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are known as GLP-1 weight loss injections and work by helping regulate appetite and promote feelings of fullness.
- Mounjaro: Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; once-weekly injection; doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy: GLP-1 receptor agonist; once-weekly injection; maximum dose 2.4 mg. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 14.9% of body weight.
- Saxenda: GLP-1 receptor agonist; daily injection; maximum dose 3 mg. Longer-established option for weight management.
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Ethnicity-adjusted thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. Check your BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator above.
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 — And How to Get Started
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services via GP referral. Access varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following a clinical assessment, without NHS waiting lists.
Both routes require a clinical assessment confirming you are medically suitable. Your GP can discuss whether prescription weight loss treatment is right for you alongside dietary improvements—including increasing vegetable intake and achieving a calorie deficit. Evidence shows that prescription weight management works best when combined with lifestyle changes, not as a replacement for them. Consider using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and track your progress with our progress tracker as you begin your weight management journey.
- 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.
Can vegetables alone help me lose weight?
Yes, vegetables support weight loss through fibre, which promotes fullness, and low calorie density. However, sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit overall. If diet and exercise haven't worked, and you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27+ with health conditions), prescription weight loss medication may help alongside vegetables and lifestyle changes.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed in the UK for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with clinical trial data showing 15–21% average weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with approximately 14.9% average weight loss. Individual results vary, and your prescriber will assess which is suitable for you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for NHS weight loss medication?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Lower thresholds apply for certain ethnic groups. Your GP can assess your eligibility and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication without waiting for the NHS?
Yes. Private prescribing services offer faster access—typically within days—through online clinical assessments with UK-licensed prescribers. Both NHS and private routes require a prescription and clinical assessment confirming you are medically suitable to take the medication.
Should I use vegetables instead of taking weight loss medication?
Vegetables are essential for any healthy weight management plan, but they work best as part of a complete approach. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medications are designed to be used alongside dietary improvements, increased physical activity, and behavioural changes—not instead of them.
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.