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 Cumin Water and UK Prescription Options
Cumin water is sometimes promoted as a natural weight loss remedy, but evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. If you're interested in weight loss, it's worth understanding what actually works. The good news is that UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 25-29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible for prescription weight management options. Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available through the NHS and private prescribing, alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains your real options for sustainable weight loss support in the UK.
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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
Several prescription medications are now available in the UK for adults who need structured weight management support alongside diet and exercise.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks—though individual results vary significantly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is another once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with clinical data showing average weight loss of around 15% body weight. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option.
All three are prescription-only medicines available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Use 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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Routes
If you're interested in prescription weight loss medication, you have two main pathways in the UK. NHS route: Speak to your GP about referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service in your area. Availability and waiting times vary by region. Private route: Online prescribing services offer faster access following a clinical assessment—costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose and medication.
Either way, prescription weight loss works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand where you stand, and have a conversation with your GP about which option suits you best.
- 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.
Does cumin water actually help you lose weight?
There's limited scientific evidence that cumin water alone causes weight loss. Some small studies suggest cumin may have modest metabolic effects, but any effect is likely minimal compared to overall diet and exercise. It may support general health as part of a balanced diet, but shouldn't be relied upon as a weight loss strategy.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are once-weekly injections, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1 only. Clinical trials show similar average weight loss outcomes (15–21% for Mounjaro, around 15% for Wegovy), but individual results vary. Your prescriber will assess which suits you best.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Potentially, if you 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. You'll need referral to a specialist weight management service (tier 3). Ask your GP about availability in your area—waiting lists vary significantly by region.
How quickly can I expect to lose weight with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Weight loss typically becomes noticeable over 8–12 weeks as your dose increases. Clinical trials show an average loss of 0.5–1 kg per week, though this varies widely between individuals. Results are best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Your prescriber can discuss realistic timelines for your situation.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication without NHS referral?
Yes. Private online prescribing services (following clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber) can issue prescriptions for Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda without NHS referral. This route is faster but involves private costs. Some people use private prescribing while waiting for NHS assessment.
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.