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 For PCOS: UK Medication Options
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make weight management challenging, but prescription weight loss medications are now available in the UK for eligible adults. This guide explains how GLP-1 medications work, who qualifies for NHS or private treatment, and how to start a conversation with your GP about prescription weight management options. If you have PCOS and have struggled with conventional diet and exercise approaches, medication may be worth exploring alongside lifestyle changes.
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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 Weight Loss Medications For PCOS
Three prescription weight loss medications are currently licensed in the UK and may help adults with PCOS manage their weight:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, doses 2.5–15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, doses 0.25–2.4 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss around 15% body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection, doses 0.6–3 mg.
All three work by reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller after meals. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications are always used alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. PCOS itself can affect weight loss success — hormonal factors mean some people require medical support to achieve results.
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 Eligibility And How To Access Treatment
In the UK, adults with PCOS and a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions) may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — ask your GP for a referral. Waiting lists vary by region and can be lengthy. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment, without an NHS referral. Your GP can advise which route suits you best and assess whether medication is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
- 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 I take weight loss injections if I have PCOS?
Yes. If you have a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with comorbidities), you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy. PCOS itself is not an automatic eligibility criterion, but the hormonal disruption that makes weight management harder with PCOS may make medication a suitable option. Your prescriber will assess your individual health and suitability.
How much weight can I lose with GLP-1 medication and PCOS?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro, and around 15% with Wegovy. However, individual results vary — some people lose more, some less. Having PCOS may affect how your body responds. Weight loss medication works best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Always use conditional language: results are not assured.
Will weight loss medication treat my PCOS?
No. Weight loss medications help reduce body weight but do not supports or treat PCOS itself. However, losing even 5–10% of body weight can improve PCOS symptoms including irregular periods, excess hair growth, and insulin resistance. Weight management is one part of PCOS management — your GP may also recommend other treatments.
How do I get weight loss medication on the NHS for PCOS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. They will assess your BMI, health conditions, and eligibility. If you qualify, a specialist can prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda. NHS availability varies by region — waiting times can be several months. Private prescription is available as an alternative without referral.
Are there side effects I should know about with PCOS?
GLP-1 medications commonly cause nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain — especially at higher doses. These often improve over time. Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis (severe stomach pain). If you have PCOS-related digestive issues, discuss this with your prescriber before starting medication. Most side effects settle within weeks.
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.