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 Turkey — What UK Adults Should Know
Many UK adults exploring weight loss surgery abroad are unaware that prescription weight management options are now available through the NHS and private clinics. Before considering surgery in Turkey, it's worth understanding the licensed medications available in the UK, how to access them, and what the clinical evidence shows. This guide covers UK-approved weight loss injections, eligibility criteria, and how to have a conversation with your GP about your options for sustainable weight management.
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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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medications — Your Prescription Options
If you're considering weight loss surgery, you may be eligible for prescription weight management medications available in the UK instead. Three medications are currently licensed for weight management in UK adults:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 injection administered once weekly, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection also given once weekly, with evidence from clinical trials demonstrating average weight loss of around 15% of body weight
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection offering average weight loss of approximately 8% of body weight
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. Unlike weight loss surgery, these medications work alongside lifestyle changes — reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — rather than replacing them. Individual results vary significantly, and a prescriber will assess whether any medication is suitable for you based on your personal health profile, BMI, and any weight-related health conditions.
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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.
Accessing Weight Loss Medication In The UK — NHS vs Private Routes
You can access prescription weight loss medication through two routes in the UK. NHS access is through specialist tier 3/4 weight management services — you'll typically need a referral from your GP, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is faster — online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers are available without NHS referral, though there is a cost. To find out if you're eligible, start a conversation with your GP about weight management options. 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 qualify for prescription treatment. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with medication.
- 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.
Is weight loss surgery in Turkey safer than UK medication options?
Weight loss surgery carries surgical and anaesthetic risks, including blood clots, infection, and nutrient deficiency long-term. UK-licensed GLP-1 medications have been extensively studied in clinical trials with well-documented side effects (mainly gastrointestinal). Any treatment decision should be made with a qualified prescriber who knows your full medical history. Surgery and medication address weight differently and aren't directly comparable — your GP can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS or do I need to go private?
Weight loss medications including Mounjaro and Wegovy are available on the NHS through specialist weight management services. You'll need a GP referral to tier 3/4 services. NHS availability varies by region — some areas have short waiting lists, others have significant delays. Private prescription is faster if you're willing to pay, typically £129–£320 per month depending on medication and dose. Ask your GP about NHS eligibility first.
How much weight will I lose with prescription weight loss medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro, around 15% with Wegovy, and approximately 8% with Saxenda — but individual results vary significantly. These results were achieved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Weight loss depends on your starting weight, adherence, lifestyle changes, and individual metabolism. Our weight loss calculator can help estimate potential outcomes based on dose.
What are the main side effects of GLP-1 weight loss injections?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when starting or increasing doses. These often improve over time. Less common side effects include fatigue, headache, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects are rare but include severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis) and gallbladder issues. Your prescriber will discuss all risks before you start and monitor you during treatment.
Do I need to have surgery if I'm overweight or obese?
No. Surgery is one option for severe obesity with significant health complications, but it's not the first-line treatment. UK guidance recommends starting with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), then considering prescription medication if lifestyle alone isn't enough. Surgery is typically reserved for tier 4 bariatric services after other interventions have been tried. Your GP can discuss all options with you based on your individual circumstances.
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.