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 Retreat Dubai — UK Prescription Weight Management Alternative
Weight loss retreats in Dubai can be expensive and time-intensive, but UK adults have accessible alternatives through prescription weight management medication. If you're considering a retreat for structured weight loss support, understanding prescription options available through the NHS and private prescribers may offer a more practical, sustainable path. Learn about UK-licensed medications, eligibility criteria, and how to start a conversation with your GP about weight management today.
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 Prescription Weight Loss Medications — Licensed Options
Three prescription-only medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management in eligible adults. These work through different mechanisms to reduce appetite and support sustainable weight loss.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected once weekly. Evidence suggests average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected daily. A longer-established option with proven efficacy.
All three are used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with different prescription options, and check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point.
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 Get Started in the UK
NHS route: Your GP can refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). Availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private route: UK-licensed prescribers offer online consultations and prescriptions without NHS referral. A clinical assessment determines if prescription weight loss medication is suitable for you. Costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Rather than investing in an expensive overseas retreat, consider speaking with your GP about prescription weight management options available locally. A prescriber can assess your individual health profile and discuss whether medication is appropriate for you.
- 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 makes UK prescription weight loss medications different from weight loss retreats?
Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work systematically to reduce appetite and support sustainable weight loss over months, integrated into your daily life. Retreats offer intensive environments but results often depend on maintaining habits afterwards. Medications are prescription-only and require clinical assessment, making them personalised to your health needs.
Am I eligible for weight loss medication through the NHS in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Eligibility criteria are slightly lower for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Your GP can assess your individual circumstances.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription weight loss medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy, alongside lifestyle changes. However, individual results vary significantly. Use our weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes based on your starting weight and chosen medication.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication without waiting on an NHS list?
Yes. Private prescribers offer online consultations and can issue prescriptions if clinically appropriate. This route does not require NHS referral and medication can typically be dispensed within days. Costs vary but are generally comparable to the cost of a weight loss retreat.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight management?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss in trials (15–21% vs ~15%), but both are effective. A prescriber assesses which is more suitable for your individual health profile.
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.