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 Plan for Men: UK Medication Options
A structured weight loss plan for men in the UK now includes access to prescription medications alongside diet and exercise. If you're struggling with excess weight, your GP can assess whether prescription weight management options are suitable for you. The NHS provides tiered support through its weight management pathway, and private options are also available for eligible adults. This guide covers what's available, who qualifies, and how to get started with evidence-based weight loss medication in the UK.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 for Men
Three prescription medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 receptor agonists (or dual GIP/GLP-1 in Mounjaro's case) that help regulate appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals.
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection with an average weight loss of around 15–21% of body weight in clinical trials. Wegovy is also once-weekly, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight. Saxenda is a once-daily injection with slightly different dosing.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore projected outcomes at different doses.
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.
NHS vs Private: How to Access Weight Loss Medication
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services—not standard GP prescription. You'll need a referral from your GP, and availability varies significantly by region. Waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas, but NHS treatment is free once approved.
Private access is available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. This route bypasses NHS waiting lists but involves a cost (typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose). Both routes require a proper clinical assessment to confirm eligibility and suitability.
Start by speaking to your GP about weight loss medication and your region's NHS tier 3 services. If NHS waiting lists are long, ask about private alternatives. Either way, medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—use our free progress tracker to monitor your journey alongside whichever route you choose.
- 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 BMI do I need to be eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
The standard threshold is a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease). If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds may apply. Check your BMI using our free calculator above.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy over several months. Individual results vary significantly. These medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services can prescribe Mounjaro and Wegovy for eligible adults. You'll need a GP referral. Access varies by region and waiting lists can be long. Ask your GP about your local service or inquire about private alternatives if NHS waiting lists are lengthy.
What side effects should I expect with weight loss injections?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort—especially when starting or increasing doses. Most side effects reduce over time. Serious side effects are rare but include severe stomach pain and allergic reactions. Always inform your prescriber of any concerns.
Do I have to keep taking weight loss medication forever?
No. Treatment duration is individualised. Some men discontinue after reaching their goal; others continue long-term. Your prescriber will discuss duration based on your health goals and response. Weight loss medication is most effective when combined with sustained lifestyle changes around diet and activity. ```
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.