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 Coffee Recipe — Caffeine and UK Weight Management
Coffee is often discussed as a weight management aid due to its caffeine content and metabolic effects. While a homemade weight loss coffee recipe might seem appealing, the reality is more nuanced. This guide explains how coffee fits into weight management in the UK, and importantly, introduces prescription weight loss medication options available to eligible adults through the NHS and private prescribing. For sustainable weight management, most people benefit from a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and — where appropriate — professional support.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
For UK adults struggling with weight management, prescription medications offer evidence-based support alongside lifestyle changes. Three main options are licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a once-weekly injection. Clinical evidence suggests average weight loss around 15% of body weight when used with reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option for weight management in eligible UK adults.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine suitability. Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to 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 — How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss treatment is available through two routes. NHS access requires referral from your GP to a specialist tier 3 weight management service; availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following an online clinical assessment, without NHS referral.
Both routes require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber who will assess your individual health, BMI, and medical history. Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals — they can discuss whether prescription medication might be appropriate for you, or refer you to specialist services. Use our free BMI calculator to understand your current health status, and track your progress with our free weight loss tracker once you've started any intervention.
- 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 coffee alone help with weight loss?
Coffee contains caffeine, which may slightly increase metabolism and reduce appetite temporarily. However, black coffee without added sugar or calories contributes minimally to weight loss. Sustainable weight management requires calorie deficit through diet and activity. For significant, sustained weight loss, prescription medication combined with lifestyle changes is more effective for eligible UK adults.
What does the NHS recommend for weight management?
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day for gradual, sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week. This combines reduced-calorie diet with increased physical activity. For adults with BMI 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions, prescription weight loss medication may be available through specialist services.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with BMI 30 kg/m² or above are typically eligible. Those with BMI 27–29.9 may qualify if they have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may have lower BMI eligibility thresholds due to higher health risks. Your GP or prescriber will assess individual eligibility.
How does Mounjaro compare to Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs 15%), though individual results vary. Both are once-weekly injections requiring prescription and clinical assessment. Your prescriber will help determine which is more suitable for your circumstances.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
Speak with your GP about weight management and your health goals. They can assess your BMI, health conditions, and whether referral to a specialist weight management service is appropriate. Waiting times and availability vary by region. Private prescription options are also available through online prescribers for eligible adults, without NHS referral.
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.