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 Groups in the UK — Support and Options
A weight loss group provides structured support, accountability, and shared experience as you work toward healthier weight management. In the UK, weight loss support ranges from free NHS-backed community programmes to prescription-only medication options through specialist services. Understanding what's available helps you choose the right approach for your circumstances, whether that's group-based behavioural support, prescription weight loss medication, or a combination of both. Our free BMI calculator can help you assess where you stand health-wise before joining a programme.
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.
Types of Weight Loss Support Available in the UK
Community-based weight management groups offer peer support and lifestyle coaching, often available through local council services or charities. These focus on behaviour change, dietary habits, and physical activity — typically at low or no cost. The NHS Weight Loss Plan is a free digital programme accessible to all UK adults.
Prescription weight loss medication is available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services (with significant waiting lists in many regions) or privately through registered online prescribers following clinical assessment. GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription-only and can support weight management uk when combined with lifestyle changes. NHS weight loss services typically assess your BMI, health conditions, and readiness before recommending medication.
- Free community programmes through local councils
- NHS digital weight loss tools and trackers
- Prescription medication through specialist services or private prescribing
- Combination approaches: groups plus medication
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.
Choosing the Right Weight Loss Approach for You
The best weight loss plan depends on your BMI, health conditions, personal preferences, and access to services. A BMI over 30, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may make you eligible for prescription weight loss medication through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current status and understand your starting point.
Sustainable lose weight uk strategies combine dietary changes (typically a 500 kcal daily deficit for ~0.5 kg weekly loss), increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Joining a group provides accountability and practical tips. If considering prescription weight loss medication, your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess whether it's suitable and monitor your progress.
- 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.
What is a weight loss group and how does it help?
A weight loss group provides peer support, shared accountability, and expert guidance on diet and lifestyle changes. Members share experiences, learn from each other, and work toward common health goals. Groups reduce isolation, increase motivation, and typically result in better long-term outcomes than solo efforts. Many UK weight loss groups are free through the NHS or local councils.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medication is available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services if you meet eligibility criteria (usually BMI ≥30, or ≥27.5 with weight-related health conditions). Access varies significantly by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist service. Private prescribing is also available without NHS referral.
What does GLP-1 weight loss medication do?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy activate natural hormones that reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and help regulate blood sugar. In clinical trials, GLP-1 weight loss injections supported participants in losing an average of 14–21% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise. Individual results vary; prescription-only and require clinical assessment.
How much weight can I realistically lose?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. A calorie deficit of about 500 kcal daily typically achieves this. Clinical evidence suggests even 5–clinically studied weight loss significantly improves health outcomes including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cardiovascular risk. Our progress tracker helps you monitor realistic, gradual progress over time.
How do I join a weight loss group in the UK?
Contact your GP for referral to local NHS weight management services, search your council's website for free community programmes, or explore registered private weight loss groups. Many combine in-person meetings with digital support. For prescription medication options, ask your GP or access private prescribing through registered online services that assess your eligibility and health.
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.