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 Meal Delivery and Prescription Medication in the UK
Weight loss meal delivery services can support your nutrition goals, but many people in the UK also qualify for prescription weight management medication. If you're exploring options for sustainable weight loss, understanding both dietary support and available medical treatments is important. The NHS and private providers offer prescription-only injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy for eligible adults, which can be used alongside dietary changes. This guide explains how UK prescription weight loss medication works, who's eligible, and how to discuss options with your GP.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications Explained
Three prescription-only weight management injections are currently licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Maximum dose 15 mg once weekly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical data showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight. Maximum dose 2.4 mg once weekly.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist. Daily injection (not weekly). Maximum dose 3 mg daily.
Individual results vary significantly. These medications work by reducing appetite, helping you feel fuller after eating, and supporting blood sugar control. A prescriber will assess whether you're eligible and which option suits your health profile.
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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 Next Steps
NHS access: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and other medications within NHS services, though availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private access: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral.
Start by discussing your weight management goals with your GP — they can assess your BMI, any weight-related health conditions, and whether prescription medication is appropriate. You can also calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand where you stand. If eligible, your GP can refer you to NHS services or discuss private options. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with different medications.
- 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 I use meal delivery services with prescription weight loss medication?
Yes. Prescription weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Meal delivery services can support this by providing portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced meals. Always inform your prescriber about any dietary changes or supplements you're using.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You're potentially eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnoea). Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may qualify at lower BMI thresholds. Speak to your GP to assess your individual eligibility.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 only. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro users lost an average of 15–21% body weight, while Wegovy users lost approximately 15%. Both are once-weekly injections. Individual results vary; a prescriber will recommend the most suitable option for you.
How much does prescription weight loss medication cost privately in the UK?
Private costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on the medication and dose. Prices vary by provider. NHS prescriptions are subject to standard prescription fees (currently £9.90 in England) if you qualify and are referred through specialist services, though availability varies by region.
Can meal delivery alone help me lose weight without medication?
Yes, meal delivery services can support weight loss when they provide portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced meals within a calorie deficit. However, sustainable weight loss typically requires both dietary support and behaviour change. If you have a high BMI or weight-related health conditions, discuss all options — including prescription medication — with your GP to find the most effective approach for you.
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.