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 Smoothie Recipe and UK Prescription Options
Weight loss smoothies can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet, but sustainable weight management often requires a multi-faceted approach. If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, it's worth knowing that prescription medication options are available for eligible adults alongside dietary changes. This guide covers smoothie ideas and explains the prescription weight management medications licensed in the UK, including how to find out if you qualify.
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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-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Medications
For eligible adults in the UK, prescription weight loss medications offer evidence-based support for weight management. The main UK-licensed options are Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) — all GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists that work by helping reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Once-weekly injection, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Once-weekly injection, doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. Clinical trial data showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide): Daily injection, doses from 0.6 mg to 3 mg, approved for weight management in eligible adults.
Individual results vary significantly, and these medications are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — much like the complementary approach of adding nutritious smoothies to your routine. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
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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 How to Check Eligibility
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two main routes:
- NHS: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
- Private: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy if you're assessed as suitable.
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Start by speaking with your GP about what's available in your area. They can discuss whether prescription support is appropriate alongside your smoothie recipes, dietary changes, and activity level. Use the BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and understand where you sit on the NHS guidelines scale.
- 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 I lose weight with smoothies alone without medication?
Smoothies can support weight loss as part of a healthy diet, particularly if they're lower in calories and high in protein and fibre. However, sustainable weight loss typically requires a calorie deficit alongside increased physical activity. For some people, prescription medication may provide additional support — your GP can advise what's right for you.
Who is 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 qualify if they have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Lower BMI thresholds apply for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Your GP or prescriber will assess your individual eligibility.
How much does Mounjaro or Wegovy cost in the UK?
NHS costs depend on your local integrated care board — some areas provide access through specialist services, others may have limited availability. Private prescriptions typically cost £129–£320 per month depending on the medication and dose. Ask your GP about NHS options in your area first.
Can I use weight loss medication if I'm following a smoothie diet?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications work best alongside dietary changes, including healthy smoothies, and increased physical activity. If you're eligible and prescribed medication, your healthcare provider will advise on how to combine it safely with your chosen diet approach.
How long does it take to see results with weight loss medication?
Most people begin to see weight changes within 4–8 weeks, though the dose is gradually increased over several months. Results vary by individual. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to monitor changes over time alongside your other health habits.
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.