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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Vegetarian Weight Loss Menu and Prescription Medications in the UK
A well-planned vegetarian weight loss menu is an effective foundation for sustainable weight management. However, many UK adults also qualify for prescription weight loss support to complement their dietary choices. This guide explains the vegetarian approach to healthy eating alongside the prescription weight management options available through the NHS and private providers, helping you understand all your options for achieving your weight management goals.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications for Vegetarians
For adults struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available alongside dietary changes like a vegetarian weight loss menu. Three GLP-1 medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, maximum dose 15 mg
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, maximum dose 2.4 mg
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection, maximum dose 3 mg
In clinical trials, these medications helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly. All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment before prescription.
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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 Find Out If You're Eligible
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Eligibility thresholds are lower for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage.
NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service, though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access: Available through online prescribers following a clinical consultation. Start by speaking to your GP about your options, your vegetarian preferences, and whether prescription support might help alongside your dietary approach to weight management.
- 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 I take prescription weight loss medication as a vegetarian?
Yes. GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work by reducing appetite and supporting satiety, regardless of your diet type. Your prescriber will assess your suitability based on your BMI, health conditions, and medical history — not your dietary choices. A well-balanced vegetarian weight loss menu combined with prescription support can be very effective.
Does a vegetarian diet work well with GLP-1 weight loss medication?
Yes. GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and help you feel fuller after smaller portions. This pairs well with vegetarian eating, which is often plant-based and nutrient-dense. Focus on adequate protein from lentils, tofu, nuts, and dairy if tolerated. Individual results vary, so discuss your diet with your GP or a dietitian.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for UK weight management?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with clinical trial results showing average weight loss of 15–21%. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only, with average weight loss around 15%. Both are once-weekly injections. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your individual health profile.
How do I check my BMI to see if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly. A healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9 according to NHS guidelines. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight management. Speak to your GP for a personalised assessment.
Can I track my weight loss progress if I'm using prescription medication and a vegetarian menu?
Absolutely. Our free progress tracker lets you log your weight, measurements, and diet changes over time. Combined with a vegetarian weight loss menu and prescription support, regular tracking helps you see progress and stay motivated. Track weekly for the most consistent results.
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.