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 Oral Solutions Available in the UK
Weight loss oral solutions in the UK are prescription-only medications designed to support weight management alongside lifestyle changes. While most licensed weight loss medications in the UK are injections (such as Mounjaro and Wegovy), there are oral options available, though these are less commonly prescribed than injection-based treatments. This guide covers the prescription weight management options available to eligible UK adults, including how to access them through the NHS or private prescribing, and what the current evidence shows about their effectiveness.
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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 Weight Loss Medications and Eligibility
The main prescription weight loss medications licensed in the UK are injection-based GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, though liraglutide (Saxenda) can also be administered as a daily injection. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are once-weekly injections approved for weight management. These medications may help reduce appetite and support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Eligibility for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK typically requires:
- A BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or
- A BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease
- For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds may apply (from BMI 27.5)
Individual eligibility is assessed by a prescriber following a clinical evaluation. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI and get an indication of where you fall on NHS guidelines.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Accessing Weight Loss Medication — NHS vs Private Routes
NHS access to weight loss medication is through specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically accessed via GP referral. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting times can be substantial in many areas. Private weight loss medication access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following an online clinical assessment—no NHS referral is required.
Before pursuing any weight loss medication, discuss your options with your GP. They can assess your individual health, explore whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you, and help you understand the potential benefits and side effects. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to explore projected outcomes at different doses, which can help frame conversations with your healthcare provider.
For context on your current weight status, use our free weight converter to check your measurements in both metric and imperial units, and track your progress over time with our free progress tracker—many people find monitoring their journey helpful alongside any weight management treatment.
- 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.
Are there oral weight loss medications available on the NHS in the UK?
Most NHS-approved weight loss medications are injections (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda). There are some oral weight loss options, but they are less commonly prescribed. Access through the NHS is via specialist weight management services, and eligibility must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections licensed in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Clinical trials showed both may support weight loss of 15–21% of body weight, though individual results vary significantly.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Lower thresholds apply for certain ethnic groups. A prescriber will assess your individual circumstances—discuss your options with your GP or use an online clinical assessment through a private prescriber.
What is the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access is through specialist weight management services (often with waiting lists) following GP referral. Private access is through online prescribing services and does not require NHS referral. Both routes require a clinical assessment; private access is typically faster but involves costs.
How effective are weight loss medications for weight management?
Clinical trials showed GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications help participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight over 68–72 weeks, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly, and medications work best as part of a comprehensive weight management approach, not in isolation.
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.