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 Clinics in Edinburgh — What You Need to Know
If you're looking for weight loss support in Edinburgh, you have several options available to you. The NHS provides weight management services through specialist tier 3 clinics, whilst private clinics offer rapid access to prescription weight loss medication and tailored support. This guide explains how to access weight loss treatment in Edinburgh, what to expect from specialist services, and how prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work alongside lifestyle changes. Whether you're exploring NHS services or private options, understanding your eligibility and available treatments is the first step.
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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.
NHS Weight Management Services in Edinburgh
Weight management support in Edinburgh is available through the NHS Lothian system, delivered by tier 3 specialist weight management services. These are typically accessed via referral from your GP, who can assess whether specialist support is appropriate for you.
- Tier 1: Self-help through digital tools and community programmes — available to all adults with a BMI over 25
- Tier 2: GP-led interventions and behaviour change support
- Tier 3: Specialist multidisciplinary teams that may prescribe weight loss medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or semaglutide (Wegovy)
NHS access to prescription weight loss medication requires a referral to tier 3 services and eligibility assessment. You must have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Waiting times for NHS specialist services can vary — contact your local health board for current availability. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand how these medications may support your goals.
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.
Private Weight Loss Clinics and Online Prescribing in Edinburgh
Private weight loss treatment in Edinburgh and across the UK is available through online consultations with registered prescribers, offering faster access than NHS services. After a clinical assessment, eligible patients receive a prescription for weight loss medication, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Eligibility for private treatment: Adults with a BMI of 27 or above may be assessed. Prescribers will review your medical history, current medications, and weight-related health conditions to determine suitability. Private treatment costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on medication type and dose. Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are available privately. These medications work alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — they are not replacements for lifestyle changes. Use our BMI calculator to check your BMI and understand your starting point.
- 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 do I access weight loss treatment through the NHS in Edinburgh?
Contact your GP to discuss weight management support. They can refer you to the NHS Lothian tier 3 specialist weight management service if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27–29.9 with health conditions). NHS access to prescription medication is through specialist services, not standard GP prescriptions. Waiting times vary by health board.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly. In clinical trials, both showed average weight loss of 14–21% body weight. Individual results vary, and a prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
How much does private weight loss treatment cost in Edinburgh?
Private prescription weight loss medication typically costs £129–£320 per month depending on the medication and dose. This includes the clinical assessment and prescription through a private prescriber. Costs are higher at starting doses and may increase as you are titrated to maintenance doses. Some private providers offer package pricing for multiple months.
What are the main side effects of Wegovy?
Very common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. These often improve as your body adjusts. Other side effects may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe stomach pain (pancreatitis) or gallbladder problems. Always discuss side effects with your prescriber.
Can I use the NHS BMI calculator to check if I'm eligible?
Yes. Our free BMI calculator above shows your BMI instantly. A BMI of 30 or above makes you potentially eligible for NHS specialist referral, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds apply. Your GP can give personalised eligibility advice for your specific circumstances.
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.