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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Weight Loss for Mums — Practical UK Guidance
Many UK mums find weight management challenging after pregnancy and with the demands of parenting. Whether you're looking for NHS weight loss support, prescription options like Wegovy, or evidence-based lifestyle changes, there are practical solutions available. This guide covers weight management options, how to access support through the NHS, and what prescription weight loss medication involves. Always discuss any weight loss plan with your GP before starting, especially if you're breastfeeding or have other health conditions.
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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.
Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
UK mums have several weight management pathways available. The NHS offers free support through its weight loss programme, including digital tools and community-based services. For those who meet eligibility criteria, prescription weight loss medication like Wegovy (semaglutide) may be available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing. Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist—a hormone that helps regulate appetite and fullness. Clinical trials showed adults using Wegovy lost approximately 15% of their body weight on average, though individual results vary significantly.
- NHS tier 1: free self-help tools and community programmes
- NHS tier 3: specialist weight management services with prescription options
- Private prescribing: online clinical assessment followed by medication dispensing
- Lifestyle changes: reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity alongside any medication
Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI and see which NHS weight management tier you might be eligible for. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential results with prescription medication if eligible.
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 Access
If you want to access weight loss support through the NHS, your GP can refer you to your local specialist weight management service (tier 3). Waiting times vary significantly by region—some areas have lengthy waits of several months. If you'd prefer faster access, private online prescribing is available through UK-registered prescribers following an online clinical assessment. Private costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on medication dose.
For NHS access, you'll usually need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Always be honest with your prescriber about your full medical history, current medications, and whether you're breastfeeding—prescription weight loss medication is not suitable during breastfeeding.
- 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.
Is Wegovy available on the NHS for weight loss?
Yes, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are both approved for NHS use through specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be long. Your GP can refer you, but not all areas have capacity. Private prescribing offers faster access following an online clinical assessment.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management in the UK. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2mg). Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label. Wegovy doses go up to 2.4mg and are designed specifically for weight management.
Can I take weight loss injections if I'm breastfeeding?
No. Prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are not recommended during breastfeeding. You should wait until you've finished breastfeeding before starting these medications. Discuss timing with your GP, as there are also oral contraceptive interactions to consider.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight over 68 weeks on the maximum dose. However, individual results vary significantly—some people lose more, some less. Weight loss works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Your progress tracker can help you monitor your journey.
What's a realistic timeline for NHS weight loss support?
NHS tier 1 (free self-help tools) is available immediately. Getting referred to tier 3 (specialist services with prescription options) can take weeks to months depending on your region. Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer. Private prescribing typically offers an assessment and prescription within days.
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.