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
Vinegar for Weight Loss — What Works in the UK
Vinegar is often promoted as a natural weight loss aid, but evidence for its effectiveness is limited. While some studies suggest small benefits from apple cider vinegar on blood sugar control and appetite, these effects are modest compared to lifestyle changes. If you're serious about weight management in the UK, prescription medications alongside diet and exercise may be more effective. This guide explains what the evidence shows about vinegar and introduces you to UK-licensed weight loss options available to eligible adults.
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 Management Medication Options
If you're looking for weight management in the UK, prescription medications offer evidence-based alternatives to supplements. Three GLP-1 weight loss injections are licensed for use in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — once-weekly injection; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — once-weekly injection; average weight loss around 15% body weight in trials
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — daily injection; effective for weight loss when combined with reduced-calorie diet
These are prescription weight loss medications requiring clinical assessment. They work by regulating appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller meals. Individual results vary, and all are used alongside diet and physical activity changes. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, or use our BMI calculator to check your current health category.
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 — How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss is available through two routes. NHS weight loss medication is prescribed through tier 3 specialist services — you'll need a GP referral and may face waiting lists. Private access is faster: licensed prescribers assess your eligibility online, and if suitable, issue a prescription dispensed by a registered pharmacy.
To find out if you're eligible, check your BMI using our free weight converter and BMI calculator. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea), may qualify. Speak to your GP about NHS weight loss support, or explore private prescribing options if you want faster access. Either route requires a clinical assessment — no medication is dispensed without one.
- 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 vinegar actually help with weight loss?
Some research suggests apple cider vinegar may have modest effects on blood sugar control and appetite, but these are small. No studies show vinegar alone produces meaningful weight loss. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, which is better achieved through diet and exercise. Prescription medications have stronger clinical evidence for weight management.
What is a GLP-1 injection and how does it work?
GLP-1 injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription medications that mimic a natural hormone. They help regulate appetite, reduce food cravings, and support feeling fuller after smaller meals. They're used alongside diet and physical activity changes, not instead of them. Clinical trials show they can help people lose 15–21% of body weight on average.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS weight loss medication is typically available to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services via GP referral. Availability varies by region, and waiting times can be lengthy. Ask your GP about local services.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with prescription medication?
Results typically appear within 4–8 weeks, with more significant changes over 12–16 weeks. Weight loss continues gradually as doses are increased. Most people see noticeable results within 3–6 months. Individual outcomes vary, and results depend on following diet and exercise recommendations alongside medication use.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication faster through private access?
Yes. Private online prescribing offers faster assessment and prescription than NHS waiting lists. A licensed UK prescriber reviews your health information via an online consultation, and if suitable, issues a prescription dispensed by a registered pharmacy. Costs vary by dose and provider, typically £129–£320 monthly. NHS eligibility assessment remains the alternative.
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.