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 Blood Pressure — UK Health Information
Excess weight is a leading cause of high blood pressure in the UK. Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you're overweight and managing hypertension, weight management UK is often the first step your GP recommends. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medication is now available through the NHS and private healthcare. Understanding how weight loss affects blood pressure — and what treatment options exist — can help you make informed decisions about your health.
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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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medications and Blood Pressure
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, prescription weight loss injections are now available in the UK. Three main options are licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection, once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection, once weekly. Evidence suggests approximately 15% average weight loss in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 injection, daily. A longer-established option with proven safety and efficacy data.
All three work by helping reduce appetite and food cravings. Weight loss medication nhs access varies by region; your GP can discuss eligibility and NHS availability in your area. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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 Next Steps
NHS access: Prescription weight loss medication is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region (ICB). If you're managing high blood pressure, mention this when discussing weight loss with your GP — hypertension is a recognised weight-related health condition that may improve eligibility.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment. No GP referral needed. Both routes require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber.
Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI and understand your eligibility category. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can then assess whether medication is appropriate for you alongside lifestyle changes.
- 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.
How much weight do I need to lose to lower blood pressure?
Even modest weight loss can help. NHS evidence shows that losing just 5–10% of body weight often reduces blood pressure meaningfully. For someone weighing 100kg, losing 5–10kg may lower systolic blood pressure by 2–4 mmHg or more. Larger losses (15–20%) typically produce greater benefit. Your GP can discuss realistic targets for your specific situation.
Are weight loss injections safe for people with high blood pressure?
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications are safe for people managing hypertension when prescribed appropriately. In fact, weight loss itself improves blood pressure control. However, your prescriber must review your full medical history, including current blood pressure medications, as some interactions are possible. Always inform your prescriber about all medications you take.
Can I use weight loss medication alongside blood pressure tablets?
Yes, many people use both successfully. However, as you lose weight and blood pressure improves, your GP may need to adjust your blood pressure medication dose downward. This is why regular monitoring is important. Never stop or change your blood pressure medication without discussing it with your GP first.
How long does it take to see blood pressure improvements from weight loss?
Blood pressure often begins to improve within weeks of starting weight loss — sometimes before significant weight loss occurs. This is due to reduced sodium retention and improved vascular function. However, the greatest benefits typically appear after 3–6 months of sustained weight loss. Your GP can monitor your progress with regular blood pressure checks.
What if I'm not eligible for NHS weight loss medication?
If not immediately eligible, your GP may recommend joining an NHS weight management programme (Tier 1 or 2 services). These include digital tools, community groups, and behaviour change support. Private prescription options are also available for eligible adults without waiting for NHS referral. Discuss all available options with your GP or visit MyWeightCheck.com for free BMI and weight loss calculators.
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.