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 Smoothies and UK Prescription Options
Weight loss smoothies can be a helpful part of a balanced diet, but they work best alongside sustained lifestyle changes. For adults struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription medications are now available through NHS and private services. This guide explains how smoothies fit into a weight management strategy and introduces the prescription weight loss options available to eligible UK adults, including how to check your eligibility.
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-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Medications
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK. Three main options are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — once-weekly injection, dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks when combined with dietary changes and physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — once-weekly injection, GLP-1 receptor agonist. STEP trial data demonstrated approximately 15% average body weight loss at 68 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — daily injection, GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved for nhs weight loss support in specialist services.
All three are prescription-only medicines that require clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly, and medication works most effectively alongside dietary changes—such as including balanced smoothies—and increased physical activity.
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 and Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is through tier 3 specialist weight management services, typically accessed by GP referral, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following a clinical assessment, without needing an NHS referral.
To find out if you're eligible, check your BMI using our free BMI calculator, then speak with your GP about whether prescription support is appropriate for your situation. Your GP can discuss whether medication, lifestyle support, or a combination approach is best for you. Smoothies can support any weight management plan—but prescription options offer medical support for those who qualify.
- 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 smoothies alone help me lose weight?
Smoothies can support weight loss as part of a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. However, weight loss requires a sustained calorie deficit. For significant weight loss, especially if you have a BMI of 30 or above, prescription medication combined with dietary changes may be more effective. Check your BMI using our calculator to understand your starting point.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro or Wegovy in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), may be eligible. You'll need a clinical assessment from a prescriber—either through NHS specialist services or a private online consultation—to confirm eligibility.
How do I access prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. They'll assess you and discuss available options. NHS availability varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Private online prescribing services offer faster access if you prefer.
Can I use smoothies alongside GLP-1 injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medication works best alongside healthy eating, including balanced smoothies, and increased physical activity. Smoothies can help you meet nutritional needs while maintaining a calorie deficit. Always discuss dietary choices with your prescriber.
What's the difference between weight loss smoothies and prescription medication?
Smoothies are a food-based dietary tool that can support calorie management and nutrition. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are medicines that help regulate appetite and support weight loss through biological mechanisms. Both work best together as part of a comprehensive weight management approach.
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.