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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Wegovy for Diabetes — UK Guide
Wegovy (semaglutide) is primarily licensed for weight management in the UK, not for treating diabetes itself. However, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it may help people with diabetes lose weight, which can improve blood sugar control and reduce diabetes-related health risks. Ozempic, which also contains semaglutide, is the version licensed for type 2 diabetes — but it is not approved for weight loss. This guide explains how Wegovy works, who might benefit, and how it differs from diabetes medications like Ozempic.
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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.
How Wegovy Works and Why It May Help People with Diabetes
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural gut hormone. It works by signalling to your brain that you are full, reducing appetite and cravings, and slowing how quickly food leaves your stomach. For people with diabetes, weight loss can have significant health benefits: even a modest reduction (5–10% of body weight) may improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Clinical trials showed that Wegovy helped participants lose an average of around 15% of their body weight — results varied between individuals. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection and is prescribed specifically for weight management, not for diabetes treatment itself. If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in weight loss medication, your GP can assess whether Wegovy or another option is suitable for your individual circumstances.
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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.
Wegovy vs Ozempic — What's the Difference?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but they serve different purposes in the UK. Ozempic (semaglutide up to 2 mg) is licensed for type 2 diabetes management and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Wegovy (semaglutide up to 2.4 mg) is licensed specifically for weight management. Although Ozempic can result in weight loss as a side effect, it is not approved for weight loss in the UK, and using it off-label for this purpose is not recommended.
If you have diabetes and need weight management support, your GP or diabetes specialist can discuss whether Wegovy is appropriate, or whether a diabetes-focused treatment might be better suited to your health needs. Access to both medications in the UK is through prescription only, following a clinical assessment.
- 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 Wegovy be prescribed for type 2 diabetes?
Wegovy is licensed for weight management, not diabetes treatment. However, weight loss itself can improve blood sugar control. If you have type 2 diabetes and need weight loss support, your GP can assess whether Wegovy is suitable. Ozempic is the licensed semaglutide option for diabetes management, though it is distinct from Wegovy.
Will Wegovy help lower my blood sugar?
Wegovy is not designed to lower blood sugar directly — that's Ozempic's role. However, losing weight may help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Any weight loss benefits should be discussed with your diabetes care team or GP, as individual results vary.
Can I use Wegovy instead of diabetes medication?
No. Wegovy is a weight management medication, not a diabetes treatment. If you have type 2 diabetes, you should continue taking prescribed diabetes medications unless your GP advises otherwise. Weight loss can support diabetes management, but it does not replace medication. Always consult your GP before changing any diabetes treatment.
How do I check if I'm eligible for Wegovy in the UK?
Eligibility for Wegovy requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (which may include diabetes). Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak to your GP or a licensed prescriber about whether Wegovy is appropriate for you. Access is through NHS specialist services or private prescription.
What is the difference between Wegovy and semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide approved for weight management (up to 2.4 mg weekly). Ozempic is semaglutide for diabetes (up to 2 mg). Using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes if you are considering Wegovy.
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.