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
Weight Loss Inspired Quotes and UK Medication Support
Motivation matters when managing your weight, but sustainable weight management uk requires more than inspiration alone. If you're looking to lose weight uk, you may benefit from understanding all available options — including prescription weight loss medication available through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explores motivational approaches alongside evidence-based medical support, helping you make informed decisions about your health journey.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults struggling with weight management, the UK offers several prescription options alongside lifestyle changes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 weight loss injection that, in clinical trials, helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight. Wegovy (semaglutide) is another once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with evidence showing approximately 15% average weight loss. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option. These medications work by helping regulate appetite and support feeling fuller after meals.
Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. All prescription weight loss medications work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly.
- All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment
- Available through NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing
- Each has different dosing schedules and typical side effects
- Requires ongoing monitoring by a 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.
NHS vs Private Access and Getting Started
NHS access: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service from your GP is the first step. NHS availability varies by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas. Your GP will assess your eligibility based on BMI and any weight-related health conditions.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route doesn't require NHS referral and may have shorter waiting times, though costs are your responsibility.
Starting the conversation with your GP is the foundation of weight management uk. They can discuss whether prescription weight loss medication might support your goals, assess your health status, and either refer you to specialist services or guide you toward private options. Using our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight category before your GP appointment, making the conversation more productive.
Sustainable weight loss typically happens when motivation combines with practical medical support. While inspirational quotes can reinforce commitment, evidence shows that structured support — whether through NHS weight loss programmes, prescription GLP-1 medication, or a combination of approaches — significantly improves outcomes. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential results with different prescription options. Tracking your progress using our free progress tracker provides concrete data alongside emotional motivation, helping you stay engaged with your weight management journey. Remember that your GP or a licensed prescriber can personalise recommendations based on your individual health profile and circumstances.
- 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.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly GLP-1 injections for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with clinical trial data showing 15–21% average weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with approximately 15% average weight loss. Both require prescription and clinical assessment. Individual results vary.
How do I access weight loss medication through the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. You'll be assessed for eligibility (typically BMI 30+, or 27+ with weight-related conditions). NHS availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Your GP can explain local options and timelines.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication privately?
Yes. GPhC-registered online pharmacies offer consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. If clinically appropriate, a prescription is issued and dispensed. You don't need NHS referral, but costs are private. Prices vary by dose and provider, typically £129–£320 monthly.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is licensed specifically for weight management (up to 2.4 mg dose), while Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg). Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label and not recommended as standard UK practice. Always use the licensed medication for your indication.
How quickly will I lose weight on GLP-1 medication?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. GLP-1 clinical trials showed average weight loss over several months (typically 68–72 weeks). Individual results vary significantly based on dose, adherence, diet, and activity level. Your prescriber will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
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.