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 Resources Available in the UK
If you're looking for weight loss resources in the UK, there are multiple pathways available to support your health journey. The NHS offers structured weight management programs across all regions, whilst prescription weight loss medication and digital tools have become increasingly accessible. Understanding what resources exist—from GP referrals to specialist services to evidence-based calculators—can help you make informed decisions about managing your weight. This guide covers the main weight loss resources available to UK adults, including how to access them and what to expect.
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.
NHS Weight Management Services and Primary Care Support
The NHS provides a structured weight management UK pathway across four tiers of support. Tier 1 includes self-help resources, digital tools, and community weight management programmes accessible through your GP without referral. Tier 2 offers primary care-based interventions such as the NHS Weight Loss Plan and behaviour change support. Tier 3 is specialist multidisciplinary weight management services, where weight loss medication nhs options like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) may be prescribed following clinical assessment. Tier 4 covers bariatric surgery for severe obesity with significant health complications.
To access NHS support, start by speaking with your GP, who can assess your individual circumstances and refer you to the appropriate tier. Availability varies by region and local ICB (integrated care board), so waiting times differ. Use our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point before your GP appointment.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medication and Private Access
Prescription weight loss uk options have expanded significantly. Mounjaro and Wegovy are both once-weekly injections licensed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. These weight loss injections uk work through GLP-1 (and in Mounjaro's case, dual GIP/GLP-1) mechanisms, helping regulate appetite and promote feeling fuller after smaller meals. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks, though individual results vary substantially.
Access routes differ: NHS specialist services offer these medications through tier 3 services (with potential waiting lists), whilst private online prescribing through UK-licensed prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies provides faster access without NHS referral. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses, and use our weight converter to track progress in your preferred units.
- 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's the difference between NHS and private weight loss resources in the UK?
NHS weight management services are free but often involve waiting lists and regional variation in availability. Private options (such as online prescribing for Wegovy or Mounjaro) offer faster access but involve out-of-pocket costs, typically £129–£320 per month depending on medication and dose. Both pathways require clinical assessment to determine eligibility.
Can I get Wegovy or Mounjaro through the NHS?
Yes, both medications are available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services following a clinical assessment. However, NHS access varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Private prescribing is also available if you meet the clinical criteria and wish to access treatment more quickly.
What BMI do I need to be eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above are generally eligible, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease). For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds may apply. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly—some people lose more, others less. Our GLP-1 calculator can help estimate potential outcomes based on different doses.
Are there other weight loss resources available without medication?
Yes. The NHS Weight Loss Plan, community weight management programmes, digital apps, and behaviour change support are all available through Tier 1 and Tier 2 services. Dietitian referrals, exercise programs, and psychological support are also offered in some areas. Your GP can signpost you to local resources and community programmes in your region.
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.