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 Cabbage Soup Recipe — UK Health Guide
Cabbage soup is a popular low-calorie recipe often used as part of weight loss efforts, particularly in short-term diet plans. While soup-based diets can help create a calorie deficit, sustainable weight management in the UK typically combines dietary changes with lifestyle adjustments and, for eligible adults, prescription medication options. Our free BMI calculator and weight loss projector can help you understand your current health status and explore all available options for weight management.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, prescription medications are available for eligible adults alongside dietary changes like cabbage soup-based recipes. Three main prescription options are licensed by the MHRA in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection taken once weekly, with average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight in clinical trials
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection taken once weekly, showing average weight loss of around 15% of body weight
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, offering comparable results to Wegovy
These medications may be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Unlike short-term diet trends, prescription weight loss medication is designed for long-term weight management uk and is used alongside reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity.
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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 vs Private Access — How to Get Started
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes. NHS access is via referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service — your GP can discuss this, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Private access is available through licensed online prescribing services, where a UK-registered prescriber assesses your eligibility following a clinical consultation.
To find out if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI weight loss tool, then speak with your GP. They can advise whether nhs weight loss medication or private options suit your situation. For eligible adults, bmi weight loss projections can be estimated using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator, which shows potential outcomes at different doses based on clinical evidence.
- 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 cabbage soup alone help me lose weight?
Cabbage soup is low in calories and may support a calorie deficit when part of a structured diet. However, very restrictive soup-based diets are rarely sustainable long-term. For lasting weight loss, the NHS recommends combining dietary changes with physical activity. If you have a BMI over 30 or weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication may offer additional support alongside lifestyle changes.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist alone. In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs around 15%), though individual results vary significantly. Both are once-weekly injections. A prescriber will assess which is most appropriate for your health profile.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS prescription weight loss medication is available for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services via GP referral. Private prescription options are also available for eligible adults. Your GP can assess your individual situation.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over 68–72 weeks, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Individual results vary significantly depending on starting weight, adherence, lifestyle changes, and other factors. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator provides personalised projections based on your details.
Is cabbage soup diet safe long-term?
Very restrictive soup diets are low in protein and nutrients, making them unsafe for long-term use. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through sustainable calorie deficit. For significant or sustained weight loss, combining moderate dietary changes with exercise and, if eligible, prescription medication offers better long-term results and health outcomes.
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.