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 Medication Options in Leeds
If you're looking for weight loss support in Leeds, prescription medications are now available to eligible adults across the UK. Unlike crash diets or unsustainable fad approaches, weight management UK has shifted towards evidence-based pharmaceutical support combined with lifestyle changes. This guide explains what prescription weight loss options are available, how to access them through the NHS or privately, and whether you might be eligible. Whether you're carrying excess weight that's affecting your health or looking to prevent weight-related conditions, understanding your options is the first step toward meaningful, sustainable change.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
Three prescription weight loss medications are currently licensed in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Mounjaro and Wegovy are the newer options, administered as once-weekly injections, while Saxenda is a daily injection. These are GLP-1 (and GLP-1 plus GIP) medications that work by regulating appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals. In clinical trials, these medications helped people lose between 14–21% of their body weight on average, though individual results vary significantly.
To be eligible for prescription weight loss medication NHS or privately, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Eligibility is assessed individually by a prescriber following a clinical consultation. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see where you stand, and use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses.
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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.
Accessing Weight Loss Support: NHS vs. Private Routes
Through the NHS, prescription weight loss medication is available via specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll need a GP referral, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and can take several months. Private access is faster—available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultations without an NHS referral, dispensed by regulated pharmacies. Private costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
Your first step is a conversation with your GP about your lose weight UK goals and whether prescription support might help. They can assess your health, discuss NHS options, or help you understand private access. Our weight converter tool helps track your progress across metric and imperial measurements. Whether NHS or private, medications work best alongside reduced-calorie nutrition and increased physical activity—medication supports your effort, not replaces it.
- 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's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections for weight management. Mounjaro uses dual GIP and GLP-1 action and showed average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) uses GLP-1 action alone with average weight loss around 15%. Both are prescription-only, require clinical assessment, and individual results vary. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your health profile.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS in Leeds?
Yes, but through specialist services, not standard GP prescription. Leeds is part of an NHS system that can refer eligible patients to tier 3 weight management services where these medications may be prescribed. You'll need a GP referral and to meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30, or ≥27.5 with weight-related conditions). Waiting lists vary—check with your local ICB or GP for current access timescales.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI instantly. A GP or licensed prescriber will do a full assessment including medical history, current medications, and health goals. Eligibility is individual, so a professional consultation is essential.
Are weight loss injections safe? What are the side effects?
These medications have been through rigorous clinical trials and are approved by the MHRA. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea—usually mild and temporary as your body adjusts. Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis symptoms (severe stomach pain). Always report any concerns to your prescriber immediately. Individual tolerability varies greatly.
Will I need to take weight loss medication forever?
No. Weight loss medication is typically used for a defined period—often 12–24 months—while you build sustainable eating and activity habits. Once you stop, maintaining weight depends on lifestyle changes you've established. Some people continue long-term if they regain weight or have ongoing weight-related health conditions. Your prescriber discusses duration based on your individual goals and response.
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.