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 With Acid Reflux — Prescription Options in the UK
If you're living with acid reflux and considering weight loss, you may worry about how treatment will affect your symptoms. The good news is that several prescription weight management options are available in the UK that may be suitable, and your GP can assess whether medication is right for you. Weight loss itself can help improve acid reflux symptoms over time, but the approach needs to be carefully planned. This guide covers UK-licensed prescription options, how to discuss acid reflux with your healthcare provider, and what to expect when pursuing weight management treatment.
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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 Management Medications for Acid Reflux
Three prescription-only weight loss injections are licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist with clinical trial data showing approximately 15–21% average body weight loss
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, with clinical trials demonstrating around 15% average weight loss
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection, licensed for weight management with proven efficacy
All three work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller meals. Important: acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD) is listed as a common side effect of GLP-1 medications in some patients. Your prescriber must assess your individual risk before prescribing. If you have severe or complicated acid reflux, a specialist assessment may be needed. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and understand your starting point.
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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 vs Private Access and How to Get Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) or private online prescribing. NHS access requires a GP referral to a specialist service, though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private routes offer faster access through registered online pharmacies, following a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber.
To explore your options: speak with your GP about weight management treatment, mention your acid reflux history, and ask whether you meet NHS eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or 27+ with weight-related conditions). Your GP can refer you to specialist services or advise on private options. They will also assess how any medication might interact with acid reflux management. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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.
Can I take weight loss injections if I have acid reflux?
Possibly, but it requires a careful assessment. Acid reflux is a known common side effect of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Your prescriber must review your medical history, current reflux severity, and any medications you're taking (such as proton pump inhibitors). If your acid reflux is well-controlled and mild, treatment may still be appropriate — but this is an individual decision. Always disclose your reflux history during any clinical assessment.
Will weight loss help my acid reflux symptoms?
Yes, evidence suggests that weight loss can significantly improve acid reflux symptoms. Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight may help reduce heartburn and reflux frequency. Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, which can trigger reflux. However, gradual weight management can temporarily worsen symptoms in some people, so gradual, sustained weight loss is generally recommended alongside reflux management with your GP.
How do I access weight loss medication on the NHS with acid reflux?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local NHS tier 3 weight management service. During your assessment, declare your acid reflux diagnosis and any medications you take. The specialist team will assess whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate, considering your reflux history. This is the safest route because specialists can monitor your symptoms and manage any interactions with reflux treatment.
What if my acid reflux gets worse when taking weight loss medication?
Contact your prescriber or GP immediately if acid reflux symptoms worsen. They may adjust your medication dose, change your prescription, or recommend additional reflux management. Do not stop medication without medical guidance. Some people find that their reflux improves as weight decreases, whilst others may need additional reflux support during early treatment. Close monitoring with your healthcare provider is essential.
Are there non-medication weight loss options if I can't take injections due to reflux?
Yes. The NHS Weight Loss Plan, structured diet programmes, and lifestyle changes (smaller meals, reduced caffeine and alcohol, sleep posture) can all support weight loss. Your GP can refer you to tier 1 or 2 services for behavioural support. Weight loss alone, even without medication, often improves acid reflux. A dietitian can also advise on reflux-friendly eating patterns that support gradual weight loss.
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.