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
Weight Loss and GERD — Prescription Options in the UK
If you're managing both excess weight and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may wonder whether weight management treatment is safe or suitable for you. The good news is that losing weight can actually improve GERD symptoms — and prescription weight management options are available in the UK for eligible adults. This guide explains your options, how they work with GERD, and how to discuss them with your GP. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current status, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes if you're eligible for medication.
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 for GERD Management
Three prescription-only weight management injections are currently licensed in the UK and may be suitable if you have GERD and excess weight:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, dosed from 2.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, dosed up to 2.4 mg once weekly
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, dosed up to 3 mg once daily
All three may help with weight management uk and are prescribed as part of a holistic weight loss programme including dietary changes and increased physical activity. Clinical trials have shown that participants on these medications lost between 14% and 21% of their body weight on average — though individual results vary significantly. Each medication requires a prescription from a UK-licensed healthcare professional and must be assessed on an individual basis.
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 Getting Started
NHS access: Weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist tier 3/4 weight management services. You'll typically need a referral from your GP, and availability varies by region. Wait times can be significant in many areas. Private access: Prescription options are also available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following an online clinical assessment — no NHS referral needed. Your GP can advise which route suits you best.
To find out if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (including GERD complications), may qualify. The next step is a conversation with your GP or a licensed prescriber who can assess whether medication is appropriate for your individual health and GERD management plan.
- 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 weight loss medication worsen GERD symptoms?
GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, which can initially cause indigestion or reflux in some people. However, losing weight generally improves GERD long-term. Your prescriber will assess your individual risk and monitor you closely. Starting at the lowest dose helps minimise early side effects.
Is there a specific weight loss medication best for GERD?
No single medication is universally "best" for GERD — it depends on your individual health profile, GERD severity, and other factors. Your GP or prescriber will assess which option carries the lowest risk for you. Always disclose your GERD history when seeking assessment.
How much weight do I need to lose to improve GERD symptoms?
Research shows that losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve GERD symptoms and reduce reflux frequency. Greater weight loss (10–15%) typically brings more substantial relief. Our free progress tracker can help you log your weight loss journey and track symptom improvements.
Will the NHS prescribe weight loss medication for GERD management?
Weight loss medications are prescribed for weight management, not specifically for GERD treatment. However, if GERD is contributing to your overall health risk and you meet BMI eligibility criteria, it may be considered as part of holistic weight management through specialist NHS services.
What should I tell my GP about my GERD before starting weight loss medication?
Mention your GERD diagnosis, current symptoms, any medications you take (including acid-reducing agents), and whether reflux worsens after eating. Your GP will use this to assess safety and suitability, and to monitor you during 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.