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 Camp for Adults: UK Options Explained
A weight loss camp for adults in the UK typically refers to a residential or intensive weight management programme combining diet, exercise, and behaviour change support. However, the term is less common in the UK than in the US — instead, the NHS offers structured weight management services at different levels, from community programmes to specialist tier 3 and tier 4 services. Modern options also include prescription weight management medication (like GLP-1 injections), digital support, and outpatient clinics. This guide covers what's available, how to access them, and what evidence supports each approach.
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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.
Understanding UK Weight Management Options
The UK doesn't have a widespread "weight loss camp" industry like the US, but structured weight management UK programmes do exist through several routes:
- NHS tier 1: Self-help tools, digital programmes (e.g. NHS Digital Weight Loss Programme), and community-based support — free, accessed via GP
- NHS tier 2: Primary care weight management clinics and behaviour change programmes — GP-led, free
- NHS tier 3: Specialist multidisciplinary weight management services in hospitals — includes dietitians, psychologists, and may include prescription weight loss medication — requires GP referral, free on NHS
- Private residential programmes: Paid weight loss retreats and residential camps offering intensive support — costs vary (typically £2,000–£10,000+ per week)
- Prescription weight loss medication: Prescription weight loss UK options include GLP-1 injections (Mounjaro, Wegovy) available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing — alongside lifestyle changes
Evidence shows that structured programmes combining diet, physical activity, and behaviour change produce the best long-term results.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss and Modern Alternatives
GLP-1 weight loss injections like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) have become increasingly available in the UK as a weight loss medication NHS option. Clinical trials show these may help people lose 15–21% of body weight when combined with dietary changes and physical activity. Access through the NHS is via specialist tier 3 weight management services — waiting times vary by region. Private access is available through online prescribers following clinical assessment. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses. Calculate your bmi weight loss targets using our free BMI calculator to understand your health baseline before starting any programme.
- 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.
What's the difference between a weight loss camp and NHS weight management services?
Weight loss camps are typically residential, intensive, paid programmes (common in the US). The UK NHS offers structured outpatient services through tiers 1–4, free at point of access. Tier 3 specialist services may include elements similar to camps (dietitian-led, multidisciplinary) but as outpatient clinics, not residential retreats. Private UK weight loss retreats do exist but are less common and cost £2,000–£10,000+ per week.
Can I access weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes. GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Mounjaro) and older medications like Saxenda are available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related health conditions). However, access varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be long. Your GP can refer you to your local specialist service.
How much weight can I expect to lose with GLP-1 medication?
Clinical trials showed people on Wegovy (semaglutide) lost an average of 15% of body weight over 68 weeks, and Mounjaro users lost 15–21% in trials. Individual results vary significantly. These results were achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — medication alone is not effective without lifestyle changes.
Are residential weight loss camps available in the UK?
Yes, but they're less common than in the US. Private weight loss retreats and residential camps operate in the UK, typically costing £2,000–£10,000+ per week. They usually combine supervised exercise, meal planning, behaviour change coaching, and sometimes medical support. However, evidence suggests outpatient structured programmes combined with medication may be equally effective and more accessible.
How do I start a weight loss programme on the NHS?
Contact your GP and ask for a referral to your local weight management service. You may start at tier 1 (self-help tools) or be referred directly to tier 2 or tier 3 depending on your BMI and health conditions. Tier 3 services are where prescription weight loss medication is typically initiated. Waiting times vary by region — some areas have multi-month waits.
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.