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 Tips at Home — UK Medication & Lifestyle Guide
Losing weight at home is achievable through a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and—for eligible adults—prescription weight management medication available in the UK. Whether you're looking for lifestyle adjustments or exploring prescription options through your GP, there are evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs. This guide covers both home-based strategies and how to access prescription weight loss medication through NHS or private routes.
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
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK. The main licensed options are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 injection, once weekly, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection, once weekly, doses up to 2.4 mg
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 injection, once daily, doses up to 3 mg
Clinical trials show that GLP-1 weight loss injections may help you lose an average of 15–21% of body weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. These are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment to determine suitability. Check your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to see if you might be eligible.
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 Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes:
- NHS route: Referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. You must meet clinical criteria and be assessed by a specialist team.
- Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by prescription dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. No NHS referral needed, though costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider.
Start by discussing your weight management goals with your GP. They can assess your eligibility, discuss lifestyle changes, and explain referral pathways. Track your progress using our free weight loss progress tracker as part of your weight management journey.
- 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 are the best weight loss tips to do at home without medication?
Sustainable home-based weight loss combines a reduced-calorie diet, regular physical activity, and behaviour change. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week. Start with small changes: reduce portion sizes, drink more water, include more vegetables, and aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Use our free weight loss calculator to set realistic targets based on your personal circumstances.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or sleep apnoea). Use our BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then speak to your GP about eligibility. Your GP can discuss whether medication is appropriate for you alongside lifestyle changes.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are GLP-1 injections taken once weekly, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials show Mounjaro may result in slightly greater average weight loss (15–21% vs ~15%), though individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will determine which is most appropriate for you.
Can I get weight loss medication through the NHS?
Yes. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) for NHS use within specialist tier 3 weight management services. Access requires a GP referral and assessment by a specialist team. Availability, eligibility criteria, and waiting times vary by region (ICB). Contact your local specialist service or ask your GP for details.
How quickly will I see weight loss results with prescription medication?
Most people see modest weight loss in the first 4–8 weeks, with greater results after 12+ weeks as doses increase. Prescription weight loss medication works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Results vary between individuals. Your prescriber will monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
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.