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 Clinic Edinburgh — UK Medication Options
If you're looking for weight loss support in Edinburgh, prescription medication may be part of your weight management journey. The UK offers several licensed options including Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda — all available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Understanding your eligibility and how to access these treatments is the first step toward finding the right support for your 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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medications
Three main prescription medications are licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Evidence suggests average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once daily at doses up to 3 mg.
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses. Individual results vary significantly, and all prescription medications require a clinical assessment before being prescribed.
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 in Edinburgh
NHS access is available through specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, typically accessed via GP referral. However, waiting lists can be lengthy in some areas, and availability varies across NHS boards. Edinburgh's NHS weight management services may have extended waiting times.
Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following an online clinical assessment. This route does not require an NHS referral and may offer faster access. Costs vary by dose and provider.
Regardless of route, a qualified prescriber will assess your health, weight loss history, and medical conditions to determine suitability. Using our free BMI calculator can help you understand where you stand against NHS thresholds before speaking with a healthcare professional.
- 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 is the first step to accessing weight loss medication in Edinburgh?
Start with a conversation with your GP. They can assess your eligibility based on your BMI and health conditions, discuss whether prescription medication is appropriate for you, and either refer you to NHS specialist services or provide guidance on private options. Your GP has full access to your medical history, which is essential for safe prescribing.
How long does it take to lose weight with these medications?
Weight loss typically becomes noticeable within the first few weeks, with most significant loss occurring over the first 3–6 months. Clinical trials showed results over 12–17 weeks at maintenance doses. However, individual responses vary considerably. Medication works best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Are prescription weight loss medications available privately in Edinburgh?
Yes. Several UK-licensed online pharmacies offer private consultations with prescribers and can dispense weight loss medication to Edinburgh addresses. Access does not require NHS referral, and prescriptions are typically issued within 24–48 hours of assessment if clinically appropriate. Costs vary by medication and dose.
What weight-related health conditions make me eligible for weight loss medication?
Conditions include type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia), obstructive sleep apnoea, and history of heart attack or stroke. You may also be eligible with a BMI of 30 or above without additional conditions. Check your eligibility using our free BMI calculator.
Can I switch between Mounjaro and Wegovy if one doesn't suit me?
Yes, but any medication switch must be managed by your prescriber. Both are once-weekly injections with similar mechanisms, though Mounjaro acts on two pathways (GIP and GLP-1) while Wegovy acts on one (GLP-1). Your prescriber will assess which is most appropriate based on your health profile and response to 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.