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 Hypnosis vs UK Prescription Options
Weight loss hypnosis is widely advertised as a solution for sustainable weight management, but evidence for its effectiveness is limited. If you're looking for weight management support in the UK, you have several options to explore. This guide compares hypnotherapy with UK-licensed prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which are available for eligible adults. Understanding what's actually supported by clinical evidence can help you make an informed choice about which approach might work best for you.
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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 Options
If you're eligible, prescription weight management medications offer strong clinical evidence of effectiveness. The UK's main licensed options are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight at the highest dose over 72 weeks, alongside diet and exercise changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% of body weight over 68 weeks with lifestyle support.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, approved earlier. Evidence shows average weight loss of 5–10% of body weight.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease). You can check your BMI using our free BMI calculator, which also shows your healthy weight range for your height.
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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.
NHS Access vs Private Routes
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services — you'll need a GP referral. Waiting lists vary by region; some areas have significant delays. Your GP can discuss whether you meet local eligibility criteria.
Private access: GPhC-registered online pharmacies can prescribe following an online clinical assessment — no NHS referral required. This is faster but involves private cost (typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose).
Whether you're considering hypnotherapy, prescription weight loss injections, or other approaches, start by discussing your options with your GP. They can assess your individual health needs and explain which weight management strategies are most likely to work for you. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes if you do become eligible for prescription medication.
- 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 weight loss hypnosis really work?
Evidence for hypnotherapy in weight loss is limited and mixed. While some people report modest benefit, high-quality clinical trials are lacking compared to prescription medications. Hypnotherapy works best combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity — not as a standalone treatment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
UK eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility. Lower BMI thresholds may apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections approved in the UK for weight management. Mounjaro uses dual GIP/GLP-1 technology and showed average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy is a GLP-1-only injection with average weight loss around 15%. Individual results vary significantly.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes, but access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — typically via GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region (ICB area). Your GP can advise on local services. Private prescription options are also available if you prefer faster access.
How quickly will I lose weight with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week, though individual results vary considerably. Weight loss depends on the medication, dose, dietary changes, physical activity, and your metabolism. Your prescriber will monitor progress and adjust your plan accordingly.
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.