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 Specialist Near Me — UK Prescription Options
If you're searching for a weight loss specialist near you in the UK, you have two main routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private prescription options. Both require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility based on your BMI and health profile. Understanding what's available locally and how prescription weight management medications work can help you make an informed decision about the right approach for your situation.
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 Options
Three prescription-only weight management medications are currently licensed in the UK for eligible adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; once-weekly injection with doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist; once-weekly injection with doses up to 2.4 mg. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrated approximately clinically studied weight loss on average.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist; once-daily injection with doses up to 3 mg. A longer-established option with demonstrated weight management benefits.
To be eligible, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply. You can check your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see where you stand relative to these thresholds.
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 — How to Find a Specialist Near You
NHS Route: Weight management services operate on a tier system. Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly across the UK by region — some areas have established services with several-month waiting lists, whilst others have limited capacity. Your GP can advise what's available in your area and whether you meet local eligibility criteria.
Private Route: You can access prescription weight loss medication through private online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, without requiring an NHS referral. A clinical assessment will determine suitability based on your health profile and BMI. Private medication costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Whichever route you choose, weight loss medications work most effectively alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor results over time.
- 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.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss specialists in the UK?
NHS weight loss specialists operate through tier 3 specialist services accessed via GP referral; availability varies by region and waiting times can be long. Private prescribers offer online consultations without NHS referral but charge monthly fees. Both require clinical assessment and can prescribe the same licensed medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Check your BMI using our free calculator — then discuss eligibility with your GP or a private prescriber based on your individual health profile.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy through the NHS?
Yes — both are licensed in the UK and available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Many areas have substantial waiting lists. Private access is often faster but involves monthly costs.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy over several months. However, individual results vary significantly, and results are best achieved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Do I need to live near a weight loss clinic to access treatment?
No — many private weight loss prescribers operate entirely online through remote consultations, so location isn't a barrier. NHS services require a local referral, but you can ask your GP what services exist in your area. Online access means you can access quality prescription options from anywhere in the UK.
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.