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 Soup Recipes and UK Medication Options
Homemade soup can be a nutritious, low-calorie addition to any weight loss plan, but for many people aiming to lose weight in the UK, prescription medication alongside diet changes offers meaningful support. This guide covers how soup fits into a weight management strategy, and explains the prescription options available through the NHS and private healthcare if you're eligible. We'll help you understand what's available and how to start a conversation with your GP about your weight loss goals.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three main options are currently licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. In trials, it helped participants achieve average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection, available for weight management in eligible adults.
All three are prescription-only medicines and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. Individual results vary, and these medications are most effective when combined with dietary improvements and physical activity—making homemade soup a practical, healthy addition to a balanced eating plan.
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 Access vs Private Prescription Routes
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes. The NHS route involves asking your GP for a referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service, though waiting times and availability vary considerably by region. The private route involves an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by dispensing through a registered pharmacy—available without NHS referral, though at personal cost.
Before exploring either route, use our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point and check eligibility criteria. Your GP can then give you personalised advice about the best option for your circumstances and health goals.
- 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 soup help with weight loss?
Yes, homemade soup can support weight loss when made with lean protein, vegetables, and minimal oil. Low-calorie soups are filling, nutrient-dense, and help create the calorie deficit needed for sustainable weight loss. Avoid shop-bought varieties high in salt and cream. Soup works best alongside balanced meals and regular physical activity.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, or abnormal cholesterol), may be eligible. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds due to higher health risks at those weights. Speak to your GP about eligibility.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over several months. However, individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the dose, adherence, dietary changes, and physical activity. Your prescriber will discuss realistic expectations based on your situation.
How do I access weight loss medication through the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service (tier 3). They'll assess your eligibility, medical history, and suitability for medication. NHS availability and waiting times vary by region (ICB). Your GP can tell you what's available locally and expected timescales.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication privately?
Yes. Private prescriptions for Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical consultation. Prescriptions are then dispensed by registered pharmacies. Costs vary by medication and dose but typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on the option chosen.
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.