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 Plans for Women in the UK
A structured meal plan can support weight loss, but for many women in the UK, combining dietary changes with prescription weight management options like Mounjaro or Wegovy may be more effective. This guide explains how meal planning works, what prescription options are available, and how to explore weight management through the NHS or private healthcare. Whether you're looking to lose weight through diet alone or alongside medication, understanding your options helps you make informed decisions with your GP.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
Three prescription-only weight loss medications are licensed in the UK for eligible adults: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications that work by helping to reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals.
Eligibility criteria: You may be eligible if you have 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. For women of South Asian, Black African, Caribbean, or Chinese heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply.
In clinical trials, women using these medications alongside reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity experienced average weight loss of 14–21% of their body weight over 68–72 weeks. Results vary significantly between individuals. Calculate your current BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand where you fall within NHS weight categories.
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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 and Next Steps
NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP is the route to NHS-funded prescription weight loss treatment. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private access: Prescription weight loss medications are available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This option does not require an NHS referral.
Starting a conversation with your GP is the first step. They can assess your individual health, discuss whether prescription weight loss medication is appropriate alongside meal planning, and advise on NHS specialist services in your area. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes at different doses if you progress to medication.
- 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 lose weight with a meal plan alone without medication?
Yes, a calorie deficit through dietary changes can support weight loss. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through combined diet and physical activity. However, many women find prescription weight loss medication helpful alongside lifestyle changes, particularly if previous dieting attempts have been unsuccessful. Your GP can advise what approach suits you best.
What should a weight loss meal plan for women include?
A balanced meal plan should include protein (to preserve muscle), whole grains, plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and consistent portion sizes. The key is creating a sustainable calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which typically results in approximately 0.5 kg weight loss per week. Avoid very restrictive diets—sustainable changes work better long-term.
How does Mounjaro or Wegovy work alongside a meal plan?
These medications reduce appetite and help you feel fuller after smaller meals, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie meal plan. They are not replacements for dietary changes—they work most effectively when combined with healthier eating and increased physical activity. Clinical trials showed weight loss only occurred when participants also followed a structured diet.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Eligibility is based on BMI and health conditions. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then discuss your results with your GP. They will assess your individual health, weight-related conditions, and medical history to determine if prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you.
Where can I find a weight loss meal plan suitable for UK women?
The NHS Weight Loss Plan (available free online) provides structured meal plans and recipes. Your GP can also refer you to a dietitian through NHS specialist weight management services. If you progress to prescription medication, your prescriber or specialist service may recommend specific dietary approaches that work well alongside your treatment.
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.