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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Weight Loss After 60: UK Prescription Medication Options
Losing weight after 60 can be challenging, but prescription weight management options are now available in the UK for eligible adults. If you're over 60 and struggling with excess weight, your GP can assess whether prescription medication might support your weight loss goals alongside lifestyle changes. The NHS recognises that weight management becomes more complex with age, and several effective treatments are now accessible through both NHS specialist services and private prescribing. This guide explains what's available, who can access these medications, and how to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about your options.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications Available in the UK
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications that work by helping reduce appetite and support feelings of fullness.
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection with doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks in adults taking the maximum dose alongside diet and activity changes.
Wegovy is also a once-weekly injection, with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg. In clinical trials, adults lost an average of around 15% of their body weight at the highest dose.
Saxenda is a daily injection with a maximum dose of 3 mg, approved for weight management in UK adults.
For adults over 60, weight loss medication is typically prescribed when BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Individual assessment is essential — your prescriber will consider your overall health, current medications, and whether this approach is appropriate for you.
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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: How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is via specialist tier 3 weight management services — your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and can be lengthy in some areas. Private access is through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, where a prescription can be issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
For adults over 60, the first step is always to discuss weight management with your GP. They can assess your BMI using our free BMI calculator, review your health conditions, and explain whether prescription medication might be suitable. Your GP can also refer you to NHS specialist services if appropriate. If you prefer a faster route or your NHS waiting time is long, private prescribing is an option — but ensure any provider conducts a thorough health assessment before prescribing.
Whatever route you choose, weight loss medication works best alongside lifestyle changes: a balanced diet, regular physical activity appropriate for your age and fitness level, and sustained behavioural support.
- 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 get weight loss injections on the NHS after 60?
Yes, if eligible. Adults over 60 can access prescription weight loss medication through NHS specialist weight management services. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. Your GP can refer you to your local tier 3 service. Waiting times vary by region — ask your GP about availability in your area.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist with doses up to 15 mg; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21%. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg; trials showed average weight loss around 15%. Individual results vary. Your prescriber will recommend the most appropriate option for you.
Are there side effects I should know about at 60+?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and reduced appetite — these often improve over time. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe stomach pain (possible pancreatitis) or gallbladder issues. Adults over 60 may be more sensitive to side effects, so your prescriber will monitor you carefully. Report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
How quickly will I lose weight with prescription medication?
Weight loss varies between individuals. In clinical trials, people typically saw noticeable weight loss within 8–12 weeks, with continued loss over 6–12 months. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week as a safe, sustainable rate. Medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes at different doses.
Can I use weight loss medication if I take other medicines?
Many medications can be taken alongside weight loss injections, but some interactions are possible. For example, oral contraceptives may be less effective, and diabetes medications may need adjusting. Always tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take. They'll assess whether any adjustments are needed before you start treatment.
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.