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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Losing Weight in 10 Weeks: UK Prescription Options
Reaching your weight loss goals in 10 weeks is achievable with the right approach. The UK now has several prescription weight management medications available alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains your options through the NHS and private services, how to check if you're eligible, and what realistic weight loss looks like over a 10-week timeframe. We'll cover the medications available, how they work, and the next steps to discuss with your GP or a licensed prescriber. Use our free weight loss calculator above to estimate potential results with GLP-1 medication.
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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 Medications Explained
Three GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management alongside diet and exercise:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection, doses 2.5–15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection, maximum dose 2.4 mg. STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss around 14.9% of body weight at 68 weeks.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once-daily injection, maximum dose 3 mg. Evidence supports approximately 5–10% body weight reduction.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly. In 10 weeks, typical early weight loss is modest — usually 1–4 kg depending on starting point, dose, and adherence to lifestyle changes. These medications work best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Most users remain on medication for many months to achieve substantial results.
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.
NHS Access vs Private Prescribing in the UK
Access to weight loss medication in the UK varies:
- NHS route: Referral to specialist tier 3/4 weight management services through your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS use. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be several months or longer.
- Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if suitable, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. No NHS referral needed. Available within days rather than months. Costs vary by medication and dose.
To find out if you're eligible, use our free BMI calculator above. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease), may qualify. Your GP can discuss both NHS and private options with you.
- 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 much weight can I lose in 10 weeks with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Individual results vary, but typical early weight loss is 1–4 kg in the first 10 weeks, depending on your starting weight, dose, and adherence to diet and exercise. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% over 72 weeks (not 10 weeks). Prescription medications work best over longer timeframes, typically 6–12 months or more.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease). Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then discuss options with your GP.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access requires a referral to specialist services and can involve waiting lists of months. Private access is faster (days) through online consultors and GPhC-registered pharmacies, but you pay directly. Both paths require a clinical assessment — prescription medication is not available without one.
Can I lose weight in 10 weeks without medication?
Yes. A calorie deficit of 500 kcal per day typically results in approximately 0.5 kg weight loss per week, so 10 weeks could yield around 5 kg loss through diet and exercise alone. The NHS recommends this rate as sustainable. Prescription medication can support this process but is not essential for all weight loss goals.
What happens after 10 weeks of taking weight loss medication?
Most patients continue medication for 6–12 months to reach their target weight. Your prescriber will monitor your progress and adjust doses as needed. After reaching your goal, you may transition off medication while maintaining lifestyle changes. Long-term weight loss success depends on sustained dietary habits and physical activity.
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.