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 Help Near Me — UK Medication Options
If you're searching for weight loss help near you in the UK, prescription medication may be available depending on your health profile. The NHS and private healthcare both offer evidence-based weight management options, including GLP-1 receptor agonist injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy. These prescription medicines are designed to work alongside diet and exercise, and eligibility depends on your BMI and overall health. This guide explains what's available, how to find help locally, and how to start the conversation with your GP.
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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 Medication Options
Three prescription-only weight loss medications are currently available in the UK for eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Evidence suggests average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given by daily injection, typically resulting in 5–clinically studied weight loss.
You are eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply. All three medications require a prescription and clinical assessment by a licensed healthcare professional.
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.
Finding Weight Loss Help: NHS vs Private Routes
NHS route: Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. The NHS provides evidence-based weight management support free of charge, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Your GP can assess whether you meet eligibility criteria and discuss your options.
Private route: GPhC-registered online pharmacies offer prescription weight loss medication following an online clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. This route does not require NHS referral and results are typically faster, though medication costs apply (£129–£320+ monthly depending on dose and provider).
Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI, then book an appointment with your GP to discuss which option suits you best.
- 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.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian and Black African heritage adults. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual eligibility based on your health profile and medical history.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS medication is free but accessed through specialist services with potential waiting lists. Private routes are faster and don't require NHS referral, but you pay per dose. Both require a prescription and clinical assessment. Ask your GP about NHS availability in your area first.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% for Mounjaro and around 15% for Wegovy over several months, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary significantly. These are averages — some people lose more, some less. Your prescriber can discuss realistic expectations for your situation.
Do I need to change my diet and exercise if I take weight loss medication?
Yes. Prescription weight loss injections work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Medication alone is not effective — lifestyle changes are essential. Your healthcare provider will discuss a complete weight management plan with you.
Can I get weight loss medication without seeing my GP first?
For NHS access, you'll need a GP referral to specialist services. For private prescription medication, you can access it through an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber without NHS referral. However, it's recommended to inform your GP about any medication you're taking.
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.