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 Options for Type 2 Diabetes in the UK
Type 2 diabetes and excess weight often go hand in hand, and losing weight can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce health risks. If you have type 2 diabetes and are carrying extra weight, prescription weight management options are now available in the UK alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains the medications available, who is eligible, and how to access them through the NHS or privately. Calculate your current BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand where you sit on the health weight spectrum.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management and are particularly effective for people with type 2 diabetes:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, administered once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist, administered once daily. Approved for weight management in eligible adults.
For adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, these GLP-1 weight loss medications offer dual benefits: helping with weight loss while also improving blood sugar control. Results vary between individuals, and these medications work best when combined with diet and physical activity. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss 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 Access vs Private Prescription: How to Get Started
NHS Route: Prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll typically need a GP referral and will be assessed by a multidisciplinary team. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region (ICB area). Contact your GP to ask about weight management services in your area.
Private Route: Licensed prescribers can issue prescriptions following an online clinical assessment, dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. This option is available without NHS referral and is often faster, though it has a cost. Both routes require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility.
Your GP can advise whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for your individual health situation. Use our free weight converter to track your weight in both kg and stone throughout your weight loss journey.
- 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.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication if I have type 2 diabetes?
Yes, adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment. Your GP or prescriber will assess your individual health and confirm eligibility. Some ethnicities (South Asian, Black African, Chinese, Black Caribbean) have lower eligibility thresholds due to higher diabetes risk.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy if I have type 2 diabetes?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly. Even a 5–clinically studied weight loss can meaningfully improve blood sugar control and reduce diabetes complications.
Will weight loss medication replace my type 2 diabetes medication?
No. Weight loss medication works alongside existing diabetes treatments. Your GP or prescriber will monitor your blood sugar levels and may adjust your diabetes medication as you lose weight and your blood sugar improves. Always inform your prescriber of all medications you're taking.
What is the difference between GLP-1 weight loss and type 2 diabetes management with GLP-1?
Wegovy and Mounjaro are licensed specifically for weight management at higher doses. Ozempic (also semaglutide) is licensed for type 2 diabetes at lower doses. Your prescriber will recommend the appropriate medication and dose based on your individual needs and health goals.
How long do I need to take weight loss medication for type 2 diabetes?
Weight loss medications are typically continued long-term if they're working and you tolerate them well. Stopping medication often leads to weight regain. Your prescriber will discuss the benefits and any concerns with you. Lifestyle changes (diet and activity) should continue alongside medication for best results.
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.