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 Motivation: Prescription Support Available in the UK
Finding motivation for weight management uk is challenging, but knowing what support is available can help keep you focused. If you're struggling with weight loss, prescription medications are now available through the NHS and private prescribing in the UK for eligible adults. Understanding your options—from lifestyle changes to prescription weight loss injections—can provide both practical tools and genuine encouragement on your journey. This guide explores realistic approaches to weight management and the evidence-based prescription options that may help you achieve your health goals.
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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 medications are currently licensed for weight management in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, approved for weight management. Results show modest weight loss benefits alongside lifestyle changes.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes 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 sleep apnoea. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and calculate your personal BMI using our weight loss bmi tool above.
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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Access in the UK
NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management service through your GP. NICE has approved these medications for NHS use, but availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
Private access: Available through a GPhC-registered online pharmacy following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route offers faster access without NHS referral.
Start by speaking with your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable for your health. They can discuss your medical history, assess your eligibility, and either refer you to NHS specialist services or advise you on private options. Track your progress with our free progress tracker as you work towards your goals, and use our weight converter to monitor results in your preferred units—kg, stone, or pounds.
- 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 motivates successful weight loss in the UK?
Research shows that combining realistic goals, social support, and evidence-based treatment—whether lifestyle changes or prescription medication—leads to better outcomes. Access to tools, regular progress tracking, and knowing your BMI and healthy weight range all contribute to sustained motivation and success.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Eligibility is assessed individually by a prescriber or GP. Speak to your GP to find out if prescription weight loss is right for you.
How quickly can I access Mounjaro or Wegovy in the UK?
NHS access involves referral and assessment by a specialist weight management service—timelines vary by region but can be several months. Private access is typically faster, often within 1–2 weeks of online assessment, but costs approximately £150–£300 per month depending on dose.
Do prescription weight loss injections work without diet and exercise changes?
No. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. These medications support lifestyle changes by reducing appetite and cravings, but they work alongside, not instead of, behaviour change.
How do I track my weight loss progress with prescription medication?
Keep a record of your starting weight and BMI, weigh yourself weekly, and log results in our free progress tracker. Monitor your measurements using our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds. Regular tracking reinforces motivation and helps you and your prescriber assess whether treatment is working.
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.