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 Soups and Prescription Weight Management in the UK
Soups can be a nutritious, low-calorie addition to a weight loss plan, but sustainable weight management in the UK often requires more comprehensive support. For eligible adults, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer evidence-based weight loss alongside diet and lifestyle changes. This guide explains the prescription options available, how to check your eligibility, and whether NHS weight loss medication might be right for you.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications Available in the UK
The UK has three prescription weight loss medications licensed for weight management in eligible adults: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists that work by reducing appetite, increasing fullness, and supporting better blood sugar control.
Clinical evidence shows that GLP-1 weight loss medication combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity can produce significant results. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants on Mounjaro 15mg lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight. Wegovy participants in the STEP trials lost approximately 14.9% of body weight. Individual results vary considerably, and these medications work alongside, not instead of, healthier eating habits like nutritious soups and regular exercise.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment from a UK-licensed prescriber before being prescribed.
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 Checking Your Eligibility
In the UK, weight loss medication access is available through two routes. NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) can prescribe these medications, though access varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Alternatively, private online prescribing is available through GPhC-registered pharmacies following an online clinical assessment—no NHS referral required.
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly. If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese range, speak to your GP about NHS weight loss options or explore private prescribing. A prescriber will assess whether medication is appropriate for your individual health.
- 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 soups alone help me lose weight?
Soups can support weight loss as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet—they're filling and often lower in calories than solid meals. However, sustainable weight management typically requires consistent calorie deficit, physical activity, and long-term habit change. For eligible adults with a BMI of 27 or above, prescription weight loss medication combined with dietary changes and exercise can provide additional support.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
UK eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak to your GP or a private prescriber to discuss whether prescription medication is suitable for you.
What's the difference between Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP+GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 15mg once weekly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4mg once weekly. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist requiring daily injections. All three are prescription-only, and individual suitability depends on your health profile and medical assessment.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes. NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) can prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda for eligible patients. Access and waiting times vary significantly by region and local ICB (integrated care board). Alternatively, private prescribing is available without NHS referral through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following clinical assessment.
Do prescription weight loss injections work without diet and exercise changes?
No. Prescription weight loss medications are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Clinical trials showed participants lost weight because they made dietary changes (like eating more soups and vegetables) and exercised regularly, alongside taking the medication. The injection supports appetite control, but lifestyle changes remain essential.
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.