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 Shake Recipes and Prescription Weight Management in the UK
Nutritious weight loss shake recipes can be a helpful part of a calorie-controlled diet, but for many UK adults struggling with weight management, prescription medication offers additional support. If you're exploring weight loss solutions in the UK, it's worth understanding both dietary approaches and the prescription options now available through the NHS and private providers. This guide covers how weight loss shakes fit into a broader weight management strategy, plus the licensed medications that may help alongside lifestyle changes.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
Three prescription medications are currently licensed for weight management in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist injections that work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after eating. Clinical trials show Mounjaro and Wegovy help adults lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight when used alongside reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity.
Eligibility for prescription weight loss medication in the UK 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. You can check your BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator above. These medications are prescription-only and require clinical assessment by a GP or private prescriber before being prescribed.
- Mounjaro: once-weekly injection, doses 2.5–15 mg
- Wegovy: once-weekly injection, doses 0.25–2.4 mg
- Saxenda: once-daily injection, doses 0.6–3 mg
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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 and Finding Support
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes: NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services and private online prescribers. Access through the NHS typically requires a GP referral and assessment by a specialist weight management service, though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private online prescribing is available without NHS referral if you meet clinical criteria, though costs apply.
Whether you're using weight loss shakes or considering prescription medication, the most effective approach combines dietary changes, physical activity, and for eligible adults, medication support. Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals and whether you'd benefit from specialist assessment. Your GP can discuss whether you're eligible for NHS specialist services or provide guidance on private options. Use our free weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with GLP-1 medication if 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.
Can weight loss shakes alone help me lose weight?
Weight loss shakes can be part of a calorie-controlled diet that supports weight loss when combined with physical activity. However, for sustainable long-term results, most people benefit from a varied, whole-food-based approach. If you're struggling with weight management, discuss all options including prescription medication with your GP.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS weight loss medication is available to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Eligibility is assessed through a GP referral to a specialist weight management service. Lower BMI thresholds apply for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage.
What's the difference between Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist. Saxenda (liraglutide) is also a GLP-1 agonist but given as a daily injection rather than weekly. Clinical trials show similar weight loss outcomes, though individual results vary. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option.
How quickly will prescription weight loss medication work?
Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy typically take 4–8 weeks to show noticeable weight loss effects. Doses are increased gradually to improve tolerability. Average weight loss ranges from 15–21% of body weight over 68–72 weeks in clinical trials, though individual results vary significantly.
Should I try diet and exercise before asking my GP about weight loss medication?
If you've already made sustained efforts with diet and exercise without sufficient results, or if you have weight-related health conditions, it's absolutely appropriate to discuss medication with your GP. Treatment isn't either-or — prescription medication works best alongside continued lifestyle changes. Your GP can assess whether medication would be beneficial for you.
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.