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 Women — Testosterone, Medications & UK Health Guide
Weight loss for women can be complex — hormonal factors like testosterone levels, alongside metabolism and lifestyle, all play a role. If you're struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available through both NHS and private services. This guide covers your options, eligibility criteria, and how to access support. Start by calculating your BMI to understand where you stand, then explore the treatment pathways available to you.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Women
Several prescription-only medications are licensed in the UK for weight management and can be accessed through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing. The most commonly prescribed options are Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, and Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both are once-weekly injections that may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals.
- Mounjaro: In clinical trials, women on Mounjaro lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight alongside diet and exercise changes.
- Wegovy: Clinical evidence shows average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide): An older GLP-1 option available as a daily injection, though once-weekly injections are now preferred by many women for convenience.
All require a prescription following a clinical assessment. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential outcomes at different doses, or use our weight converter and BMI calculator to assess your current health metrics.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Medications — NHS vs Private Routes
NHS access: Referral to a tier 3 or tier 4 specialist weight management service is the standard NHS route. Your GP can refer you if you meet eligibility criteria (typically BMI 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions). NHS availability varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy in many areas.
Private access: Private GPhC-registered online pharmacies offer prescription weight loss medications following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route is faster and does not require NHS referral, though costs apply. Whether you choose NHS or private support, a prescriber will assess your suitability individually and discuss potential side effects, lifestyle changes, and monitoring requirements.
Start a conversation with your GP about weight management options. If NHS waiting times are a barrier, ask about private prescribing as an alternative. Track your progress over time using our free progress tracker.
- 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 testosterone affect weight loss in women?
Yes, testosterone levels do influence metabolism and body composition in women. Lower testosterone can contribute to increased body fat and reduced muscle mass, making weight loss more challenging. Hormonal imbalances should be assessed by your GP, who may recommend blood tests and lifestyle adjustments alongside or before considering medication.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for women?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Clinical trials show Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs 15%), though individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will choose based on your health profile and preferences.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea. For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds apply. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility.
How quickly will I see weight loss results with medication?
Weight loss typically begins gradually and increases over several months as your dose increases. Most people see noticeable changes between 8–16 weeks. Results vary widely — some women lose more weight than others. Sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week is the NHS-recommended rate alongside diet and exercise.
Can I get weight loss medication privately without NHS referral?
Yes. Private GPhC-registered online pharmacies offer prescription weight loss medications following an online assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. You do not need NHS referral, though costs apply (typically £129–£320+ monthly depending on medication and dose). Prescriber assessment ensures the medication is safe and suitable for you.
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.