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 Surgery Compensation in the UK
Weight loss surgery compensation in the UK depends on whether you're a UK pharmacy through the NHS or privately. The NHS may cover bariatric surgery for adults with severe obesity and significant health complications, though availability varies by region. Private surgical options exist but come at considerable cost. This guide explains NHS coverage, what's involved, and non-surgical alternatives like prescription weight management medication that may help you achieve weight loss without surgery.
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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.
NHS Coverage for Weight Loss Surgery
The NHS provides bariatric surgery for eligible adults, typically those with a BMI of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35–39.9 with serious weight-related health conditions. Surgery is considered a tier 4 intervention — the highest level of NHS weight management support — and is only offered after tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions have been tried.
- Tier 1: Self-help and lifestyle programmes
- Tier 2: Primary care behaviour change support
- Tier 3: Specialist weight management services and prescription medications
- Tier 4: Bariatric surgery assessment and procedures
You cannot simply request NHS weight loss surgery — you must be referred by your GP to a specialist bariatric surgery centre. Waiting lists can be very long, ranging from several months to over two years in some regions. The type of surgery offered (gastric bypass, gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy) depends on your individual circumstances and the surgeon's recommendation.
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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.
Private Surgery and Non-Surgical Alternatives
Private bariatric surgery costs between £9,000 and £20,000 depending on the procedure type and hospital. This is a significant out-of-pocket expense not covered by insurance in most UK policies. Before considering surgery, many people explore prescription weight management medication through their GP or private prescribing services. Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 services or privately through online clinical assessment. These non-surgical options support sustainable weight loss and carry fewer surgical risks. Use our free BMI calculator above to assess your weight status and discuss options with your GP.
Weight loss surgery does carry risks including infection, nutrient deficiency, and psychological impacts. Recovery typically takes 4–8 weeks for laparoscopic procedures. Post-surgery, you'll need lifelong dietary changes and regular medical monitoring. Many people explore prescription weight loss medication first — medications that support weight management UK standards — as these are reversible and less invasive. The NHS recommends trying all available tier 3 options, including GLP-1 weight loss injections, before referring for surgery.
- 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.
Does the NHS pay for weight loss surgery?
Yes, the NHS funds bariatric surgery for eligible adults with severe obesity (BMI 40+) or BMI 35–39.9 with serious health complications. You must be referred by your GP to a specialist centre. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas have waiting lists exceeding two years.
How much does private weight loss surgery cost in the UK?
Private bariatric surgery typically costs £9,000–£20,000 depending on the procedure type and hospital. This is rarely covered by standard insurance policies. Many people explore NHS referral or non-surgical alternatives first before pursuing private surgery.
What are alternatives to weight loss surgery?
Prescription weight loss medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy) are increasingly available through the NHS and private prescribing. These support weight management without surgical risks or recovery time. Lifestyle changes, dietitian support, and structured exercise programmes are also tier 1–3 interventions often tried first.
How long is the NHS waiting list for bariatric surgery?
NHS waiting times for weight loss surgery vary by region and local capacity. Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months; others exceed two years. Contact your local integrated care board (ICB) for specific timelines in your area.
Can I get weight loss surgery on the NHS if my BMI is below 40?
Yes, if your BMI is 35–39.9 and you have serious weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea), you may be eligible. Your GP will assess whether NHS referral is appropriate for you.
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.