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 Gifts: UK Prescription Medication Options
If you're considering weight loss gifts for yourself or a loved one, prescription weight management medication may be worth exploring. The UK has several licensed options available for eligible adults, including Mounjaro and Wegovy. These are serious health interventions, not novelty gifts, but they represent a meaningful health investment. This guide covers UK-licensed weight loss medication options, who is eligible, and how to access them through NHS weight management services or private prescribing.
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 Weight Loss Medications Explained
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management in eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once weekly. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Doses range from 2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist also injected once weekly. In clinical trials, participants lost approximately 15% of their body weight on average at the maximum dose (2.4 mg). Doses escalate from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg over 16+ weeks.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A once-daily GLP-1 injection, with doses ranging from 0.6 mg to 3 mg. Clinical evidence supports modest weight loss results, though less dramatic than weekly injections.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. Individual results vary significantly.
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.
Accessing Weight Loss Medication: NHS vs Private Routes
NHS access: Weight loss medication is available through NHS specialist (tier 3/4) weight management services, typically following a GP referral. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within these services. However, waiting lists and regional availability vary considerably—some areas have waits of several months. A prescriber will assess whether you meet eligibility criteria based on your BMI weight loss uk needs and health profile.
Private access: Prescription weight loss medication is also available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route does not require NHS referral and allows faster access, though there is a cost. Either way, medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—this is how clinical results were achieved.
- 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.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, or abnormal cholesterol). Lower BMI thresholds apply for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. A prescriber will assess your individual eligibility.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy over 68–72 weeks. However, individual results vary considerably. These medications work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—they are not standalone solutions.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist (once weekly, up to 15 mg), whilst Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only (once weekly, up to 2.4 mg). Clinical trials suggest slightly higher average weight loss with Mounjaro, but both are effective. Your prescriber will advise which is more suitable for you.
Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4). You typically need a GP referral. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use, though regional availability and waiting times vary significantly across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for weight loss medication?
Start by speaking with your GP about weight management options. They can refer you to NHS specialist services if appropriate, or discuss private options. You can also use our free BMI calculator to check your starting point—it will help guide your conversation with your GP about whether prescription medication might be suitable.
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.