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
Do Weight Loss Herbs Really Work?
Weight loss herbs are popular natural supplements, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Whilst some herbal remedies like green tea and ginger may offer modest support for weight management in the UK, they are not a substitute for proven methods like dietary changes, physical activity, and prescription weight loss medication. This guide explains what research shows about herbal weight loss, their potential benefits and risks, and how they compare to evidence-based weight management approaches recommended by the NHS.
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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.
What Does the Evidence Say About Weight Loss Herbs?
Scientific evidence for weight loss herbs is mixed and often limited. Most herbal supplements produce only modest results, and many lack rigorous clinical trials in humans.
- Green tea extract: Some studies suggest it may support modest fat burning, though effects are small—typically less than 1–2 kg over several weeks.
- Caffeine: Present in many herbal weight loss products, caffeine may slightly increase metabolic rate, but tolerance develops quickly.
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): Plant-derived compound showing minimal weight loss benefit in trials—around 0.5 kg more than placebo.
- Garcinia cambogia: Popular but evidence is weak; most studies show no significant weight loss compared to placebo.
- Glucomannan: Soluble fibre that may help with satiety, but results are modest and require large fluid intake.
The NHS notes that herbal supplements are not regulated as strictly as medicines, and quality and potency vary between brands.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Why Prescription Weight Loss Medication Works Better
Unlike herbal supplements, prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have been rigorously tested in large clinical trials. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight in the SURMOUNT trial. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 injection that supported an average clinically studied weight loss in the STEP-1 trial.
These are prescription-only medications requiring clinical assessment, but they offer evidence-based results far exceeding herbal approaches. For effective weight management in the UK, combine proven methods: calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator, track progress with our progress tracker, and discuss prescription options with your GP if you have a BMI of 30 or above or 27 with weight-related health conditions.
- 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.
Are weight loss herbs safe to take?
Most common weight loss herbs are generally safe for short-term use in healthy adults, but risks include digestive upset, allergic reactions, and interactions with medications. Some herbal products may contain undeclared ingredients or contaminants because they're not regulated as strictly as medicines. Always inform your GP before taking herbal supplements, especially if you're on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Can I combine weight loss herbs with prescription medication?
Do not combine herbal weight loss supplements with prescription weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy without consulting your GP first. Some herbs may interact with medications or increase side effects. Your prescriber must know all supplements you're taking to ensure safety. Never self-adjust either herbal or prescription treatments.
Which weight loss herbs are most effective in the UK?
Green tea extract, caffeine, and glucomannan have the most scientific support, but effects remain modest—typically less than 2 kg over several weeks when used alone. The NHS recommends focusing on proven methods: reducing calorie intake, increasing physical activity, and considering prescription medication if eligible. For personalised advice, speak to your GP or a registered dietitian.
How do weight loss herbs compare to lifestyle changes?
Weight loss from lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) far exceeds what herbs alone can achieve. A calorie deficit of 500 kcal daily typically results in 0.5 kg weekly loss—much more than any herbal supplement. Combining lifestyle changes with prescription weight loss medication offers the strongest evidence-based results for sustained weight management.
Should I try weight loss herbs before seeing my GP?
If you're struggling with weight management, it's better to speak to your GP first rather than self-treating with herbs. Your GP can assess your BMI, discuss evidence-based options including prescription medication and NHS weight management services, and rule out underlying health conditions. Herbs should not delay seeking professional support, especially if you have weight-related health concerns.
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.