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 in Glasgow — What You Need to Know
Weight loss surgery is available in Glasgow through NHS specialist tier 4 services, though access can involve lengthy waiting lists. However, many people are unaware of other effective weight management options available in the UK, including prescription medications and intensive lifestyle programmes. This guide explains surgical options, NHS eligibility, and how alternatives like GLP-1 injections compare. Always consult your GP to discuss which approach is right for your individual health situation.
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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.
Weight Loss Surgery Types and Glasgow Availability
Several types of bariatric surgery are available in Glasgow through NHS specialist services:
- Gastric bypass: Reduces stomach size and bypasses part of the small intestine, typically resulting in 50–60% excess weight loss
- Gastric band: An adjustable band restricts stomach capacity; less commonly performed now due to lower efficacy
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Removes part of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped pouch; average excess weight loss around 50–70%
- Duodenal switch: Combined restrictive and malabsorptive procedure; most complex but highest average weight loss (60–80%)
All bariatric procedures in Glasgow are performed by NHS-commissioned teams at specialist centres including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Waiting times typically range from 12–24 months depending on clinical priority. Surgery is considered tier 4 intervention, meaning it follows unsuccessful tier 1–3 weight management attempts.
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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.
NHS Eligibility and Alternatives to Weight Loss Surgery
NHS weight loss surgery eligibility requires a BMI of 40 or above, or BMI 35–39 with significant weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea. Many people don't realise that prescription weight management options — available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing — may offer meaningful results without surgical intervention.
Medications like GLP-1 injections (Wegovy) and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (Mounjaro) are increasingly prescribed as part of NHS weight management pathways and can help achieve 15–clinically studied weight loss. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes. Your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss medication or surgery is more appropriate for your health needs and circumstances.
- 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.
How long is the NHS waiting list for weight loss surgery in Glasgow?
NHS waiting times for bariatric surgery in Glasgow typically range from 12–24 months, depending on clinical priority and your BMI. Tier 4 (surgical) interventions are only offered after tier 1–3 weight management approaches have been attempted. Contact NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde directly for current waiting times specific to your postcode and local health board.
What BMI do I need to qualify for weight loss surgery on the NHS?
Generally, a BMI of 40 or above, or 35–39 with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea). Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may qualify at lower BMI thresholds. Your GP will assess your individual eligibility.
Are there alternatives to weight loss surgery in Glasgow?
Yes. NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services offer behaviour change support, dietitian input, and prescription weight management medications including GLP-1 injections. Private prescription weight loss options are also available. Eligibility for prescription medications starts at BMI 30 or above, or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions — lower thresholds than surgery.
How much weight can you lose with weight loss surgery?
Average excess weight loss varies by procedure: gastric bypass 50–60%, sleeve gastrectomy 50–70%, duodenal switch 60–80%. However, outcomes depend on adherence to post-operative dietary changes and exercise. Weight regain is possible if lifestyle changes aren't maintained long-term.
What is the difference between GLP-1 injections and weight loss surgery?
GLP-1 injections (like Wegovy) are prescription medications that reduce appetite; average weight loss is around 15% body weight in clinical trials. Surgery is irreversible and typically achieves greater weight loss (50–80%) but carries surgical risks. Both require lifestyle changes for optimal results. Discuss both options with your GP to determine which suits your health situation.
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.