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 Lunch — UK Health & Medication Options
Planning a weight loss lunch is about balancing nutrition with calorie awareness, but if you're struggling with weight management despite dietary changes, prescription medications may help. The UK offers several licensed weight management options including Mounjaro and Wegovy, available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. This guide covers practical lunch strategies alongside information about prescription weight loss treatments available to eligible UK adults.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options Available
Three medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that works by activating two hormone pathways, helping regulate appetite and support feeling fuller after meals. Wegovy (semaglutide) is also a once-weekly injection that activates the GLP-1 pathway. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option. In clinical trials, these medications helped participants achieve an average weight loss of 15–21% of their body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly. Eligibility typically requires 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 when combined with balanced meals — including healthy weight loss lunches — and lifestyle changes.
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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 vs Private Access & Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight management treatment is available through two routes. NHS access is via specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically accessed through GP referral, though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is through online prescribing services following a clinical assessment — available without NHS referral. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible and discuss which route suits you best. They'll consider your BMI, any weight-related health conditions, previous weight loss attempts, and overall health. Starting the conversation with your GP is the first step to finding out if prescription weight loss treatment is suitable for you, regardless of whether you choose NHS or private care.
- 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.
Can weight loss medication replace a healthy diet like balanced lunches?
No. Prescription weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to work alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not instead of them. A balanced weight loss lunch should remain part of your daily routine. The medication helps support appetite control, making it easier to maintain healthier eating patterns.
What should I include in a weight loss lunch?
A balanced weight loss lunch typically includes lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu), plenty of vegetables, a modest portion of whole grains or starchy carbs, and healthy fats. This balance helps maintain energy, supports muscle preservation during weight loss, and keeps you satisfied. Calorie awareness matters too — aim for approximately 400–600 kcal per lunch as part of an overall calorie deficit.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea), may be eligible. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess your individual circumstances. Ethnicity matters too — South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may have lower eligibility thresholds due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
How long do weight loss injections take to work?
Most people notice changes within the first 2–4 weeks, though effects vary. Doses are gradually increased over several weeks or months. Clinical trials showed meaningful weight loss typically develops over 12–16 weeks. Remember that medication is a tool — consistent healthy lunches and physical activity remain essential for success.
Can I get weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) for use within NHS specialist weight management services. Access is through tier 3 services, usually via GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary by region (ICB). Private online prescribing is also available without NHS referral if you prefer faster access.
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.