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 Recipe Ideas — What Works for UK Weight Management
Developing healthy recipe ideas is a practical way to support weight loss, but sustainable results often combine better nutrition with other strategies. In the UK, weight management through food choices works best alongside physical activity and, where eligible, prescription weight management options. This guide covers evidence-based recipe approaches and prescription medication options available to UK adults. Use our free BMI calculator above to understand your current weight category, and explore whether prescription support might be right for you.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options — Medical Support Available
For UK adults meeting eligibility criteria, prescription weight loss medication offers medical support alongside dietary changes. Three main options are currently licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, the newest option, available at doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, doses up to 2.4 mg
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, maximum 3 mg per day
Clinical trials showed that Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, while Wegovy achieved around 15% average weight loss — though individual results vary significantly. These medications work by helping regulate appetite and promoting feeling fuller after smaller meals. Eligibility includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential 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 Access — How to Find Out if You're Eligible
NHS access: Prescription weight loss medication is available through NHS specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service. Access and waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas have long waiting lists. Your GP can discuss whether you meet eligibility criteria and whether referral is appropriate for your health.
Private access: Prescription weight loss medication is also available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. This route does not require an NHS referral and availability is typically faster. Use our free progress tracker to log any weight changes as you explore options with your healthcare provider. Remember that prescription medication works best when combined with healthier eating, increased physical activity, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
- 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 weight loss recipe ideas alone help me lose weight without medication?
Yes, healthier recipe choices combined with a calorie deficit and increased physical activity can support weight loss. The NHS recommends aiming for a loss of 0.5–1 kg per week through diet and exercise. However, some people find medication helpful alongside these changes. Your GP can advise what approach suits your individual health.
What BMI makes me eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above are generally eligible. Those with a BMI of 27–29.9 may be eligible if they have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds may apply. Use our BMI calculator to check your current BMI.
How do I get Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local NHS specialist weight management service (tier 3 or tier 4). They will assess your eligibility and may prescribe prescription medication if appropriate. Availability and waiting times vary by region. If NHS waiting times are long, private prescription options are available through UK-licensed online prescribers.
Can I use recipe ideas and prescription weight loss medication together?
Yes — in fact, this is the recommended approach. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work best when combined with healthier eating, calorie awareness, and regular physical activity. Your prescriber will advise on integrating medication with lifestyle changes for the best results.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (15–21% vs 15%), but individual results vary. Both are once-weekly injections. Your prescriber can discuss which option may suit you better.
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.