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 Management in Menopause — UK Prescription Options
Menopause can make weight loss significantly harder due to hormonal changes, reduced metabolism, and increased appetite. While many over-the-counter supplements are marketed for menopause weight management, the most evidence-backed approaches in the UK involve prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes. If you're struggling with menopause-related weight gain, your GP can discuss whether prescription options are suitable for you, including how to calculate your BMI and assess your individual health needs.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For eligible UK adults experiencing menopause-related weight gain, three prescription-only weight management medications are licensed by the MHRA:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, maximum dose 2.4 mg. STEP trials demonstrated approximately clinically studied weight loss on average at 68 weeks alongside lifestyle changes.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection, maximum dose 3 mg. May help achieve weight loss of 5–10% of body weight. Each requires prescription following clinical assessment with a GP or licensed prescriber.
All three medications work by affecting appetite regulation and may be particularly helpful during menopause when hormonal changes increase hunger signalling. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, though individual results vary significantly.
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 Access vs Private Prescription — Finding the Right Route for You
NHS route: NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for use through NHS specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. Availability varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. You'll need a referral from your GP to a specialist weight management service in your area.
Private route: GLP-1 medications are available through GPhC-registered online prescribers without NHS referral. A licensed prescriber will conduct an online clinical assessment to determine eligibility based on your BMI, health history, and any menopause-related factors. Costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider.
Start by discussing weight management with your GP, who can assess your BMI using our free BMI calculator or help you decide between NHS and private pathways.
- 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.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication during menopause?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 if you have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Menopause-related metabolic changes may qualify you. A GP or licensed prescriber will assess your individual circumstances following a clinical evaluation.
How do Mounjaro and Wegovy work differently for menopause weight loss?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy is GLP-1 only. Mounjaro has shown slightly higher average weight loss in clinical trials (15–21% vs 14.9%), but both work by reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller. Individual response varies. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option based on your health profile.
Can I use prescription weight loss medication alongside HRT during menopause?
Yes, but you must inform your prescriber of all medications you're taking, including HRT. Some medications can interact, particularly oral contraceptives (which need barrier contraception alongside GLP-1 injections for 8 weeks). Your GP or online prescriber will review your complete health picture before prescribing.
What's the difference between over-the-counter menopause supplements and prescription medication?
Over-the-counter supplements have limited evidence for weight loss. Prescription GLP-1 medications have undergone rigorous clinical trials proving efficacy. However, both work best alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Prescription options require clinical assessment to ensure safety and suitability.
How quickly will I lose weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy during menopause?
Weight loss typically becomes noticeable after 4–6 weeks, with continued gradual loss over months. Average loss is 0.5–1 kg per week during active treatment. Results vary based on dose, adherence to diet and exercise, and individual metabolism. Track your progress using our free progress tracker alongside your prescriber's monitoring.
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.