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 Ear Seeds and UK Prescription Weight Management
Ear seeds are a complementary therapy sometimes discussed for weight management, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, it's worth understanding the evidence-based options available to you. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medications are available through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explains how UK weight management works, who qualifies for prescription treatment, and what the evidence shows about different approaches to losing weight.
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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 Medications
For adults who meet eligibility criteria, the NHS and private prescribers offer three prescription-only weight loss medications: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 receptor agonist medications with clinical trial evidence supporting their effectiveness for weight management in the UK.
Eligibility criteria: Adults with 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 may qualify. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds apply (BMI 27.5+).
Clinical evidence: In trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, while Wegovy showed average weight loss of around 15%. Individual results vary significantly. All are used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results 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 and Next Steps
NHS access: Prescription weight loss treatment is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services following referral from your GP. Availability and waiting times vary significantly across UK regions. Your GP can discuss whether referral is appropriate for your circumstances and health profile.
Private access: GPhC-registered online prescribing services offer prescription weight loss medication following an online clinical assessment. This route is available without NHS referral but involves a cost.
Next step: Start by discussing weight management with your GP. They can assess your individual health, BMI, and eligibility, and advise on NHS or private options. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point, and use our free progress tracker to monitor your weight loss journey once you begin treatment.
- 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.
Are ear seeds effective for weight loss?
Ear seeds (auricular acupressure) lack robust clinical evidence for weight loss. While some people find them helpful as part of a broader approach, evidence-based prescription medications available in the UK through NHS specialist services or private prescribers have much stronger clinical trial support. Always discuss evidence-based options with your GP.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections available in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Both showed significant average weight loss in clinical trials, though individual results vary. A prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may qualify. Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual eligibility following a consultation.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss prescription treatment?
NHS access is through specialist services following GP referral, but availability and waiting times vary by region. Private online prescribing is available without referral but involves a cost. Both require clinical assessment. Your GP can help you explore both options and what's available in your area.
What should I expect if I start a prescription weight loss medication?
Prescription medications are used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, typically mild and temporary. Your prescriber will discuss what to expect, monitor your progress, and adjust your dose as appropriate. Track your progress with our free progress tracker.
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.