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 benefits of chia seeds and dietary approaches
Chia seeds are often promoted for weight loss due to their high fibre and protein content. While they can be a useful part of a healthy diet, weight loss itself requires a calorie deficit—which means consuming fewer calories than you burn. Many people in the UK benefit from combining dietary changes with structured approaches to weight management UK. Understanding the full range of options, from lifestyle adjustments to prescription weight loss medication, helps you find the right solution for your personal health 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.
Prescription weight loss options available in the UK
For adults looking for clinical support to lose weight, the NHS and private prescribers offer prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes. The most commonly prescribed options are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection that may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — another once-weekly injection approved for weight management UK. Evidence from trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily injection option for eligible adults.
These are prescription-only medicines available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing after clinical assessment. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
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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 access vs private options and next steps
In the UK, weight loss medication NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services—your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary by region and may be lengthy. Private prescribing offers faster access through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, with costs typically ranging from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Whatever approach you choose—dietary additions like chia seeds, lifestyle modifications, or prescription support—the foundation is a calorie deficit. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current status, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with prescription medication. Speaking with your GP is the first step to understanding what options suit your individual health profile.
- 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.
Do chia seeds actually help with weight loss?
Chia seeds are high in fibre and protein, which may help you feel fuller longer. However, weight loss fundamentally requires a calorie deficit. Chia seeds can support a healthy diet but are not a weight loss solution on their own. For significant results, most people need structured dietary changes or professional support.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight management?
Both are once-weekly injections for weight loss UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (semaglutide), which is a GLP-1 agonist alone (around 15%). Both require a prescription and clinical assessment. Your prescriber will determine which is more suitable.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes. Eligible adults (BMI 30+, or 27+ with health conditions) can access weight loss injections through NHS specialist weight management services. Referral comes from your GP, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private prescribing is available faster as an alternative.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over 12–18 months—always alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity. Individual results vary significantly. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator for personalised projections based on your starting weight.
Are chia seeds safe to eat every day?
Yes, chia seeds are generally safe as part of a balanced diet. However, consuming large amounts without adequate water can cause digestive discomfort. Aim for 1–2 tablespoons daily, mixed into drinks or foods. If you have swallowing difficulties or are on blood-thinning medication, check with your GP first.
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.