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 in Type 2 Diabetes — UK Prescription Options
Managing weight with type 2 diabetes is a key part of controlling your condition and reducing health complications. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS or privately, particularly if you're overweight or obese. This guide explains the UK-licensed weight management options available, how to find out if you qualify, and how prescription weight loss can complement your diabetes management plan. Your GP is the best starting point for a conversation about which approach suits your individual situation.
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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 Medications
Three prescription-only medications are licensed in the UK for weight management and may be prescribed alongside diabetes care:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight. Some people with type 2 diabetes find this particularly effective because it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-weekly injection. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight. Wegovy has a longer safety record in diabetes care since semaglutide is also used for type 2 diabetes management (under the brand name Ozempic).
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-daily injection. Average weight loss is around 8–10% of body weight. This option has been available longest in the UK.
All three work by helping regulate appetite and reduce food cravings. For people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss of even 5–10% can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for other diabetes medications.
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 and Private Options in the UK
NHS route: If you have type 2 diabetes and are overweight, you may be referred to a specialist weight management service (tier 3) by your GP. However, NHS access varies significantly by region — some areas have long waiting lists or limited availability. Ask your GP whether your local integrated care board offers prescription weight loss treatment for people with diabetes.
Private route: You can access prescription weight loss medication privately through GPhC-registered online prescribers without an NHS referral. A licensed prescriber reviews your medical history (including your diabetes management) and issues a prescription if appropriate. Costs range from approximately £129–£320 monthly depending on the medication and dose. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to estimate potential weight loss at different doses, and our BMI calculator to track your current health category alongside your diabetes control.
- 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.
Is weight loss medication suitable if I have type 2 diabetes?
Weight loss medication may be suitable if you're overweight or obese alongside type 2 diabetes, but it must be prescribed following a clinical assessment. Your prescriber will consider your diabetes medications (particularly if you take insulin or sulphonylureas, which may need adjustment) and your overall health. Always discuss with your GP before starting any new treatment.
Can GLP-1 medication replace my diabetes medication?
No. GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medications are not replacements for diabetes medications like metformin or insulin. They support weight loss and may help improve blood sugar control, but your diabetes management plan is separate. Your GP or diabetes specialist will decide whether any adjustments to your current medications are needed.
How much weight can I expect to lose if I have diabetes?
Results vary significantly between individuals. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy, but your personal outcome may differ. Importantly, even a 5–clinically studied weight loss can meaningfully improve blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes-related complications.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic (up to 2 mg weekly) is licensed for type 2 diabetes management, while Wegovy (up to 2.4 mg weekly) is licensed specifically for weight management. Wegovy is the weight management version and is what your prescriber would offer for weight loss purposes. Only use medication prescribed specifically for you.
How do I start the conversation with my GP about weight loss medication?
Mention to your GP that you'd like to discuss weight management options for your diabetes — explain that weight loss would help your blood sugar control. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible, discuss potential benefits and side effects, and refer you to appropriate services (NHS or suggest private options) based on your circumstances and local availability.
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.