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
What Tea Is Best For Weight Loss — And What Actually Works
While certain teas like green tea and black tea contain compounds that may support metabolism, tea alone is unlikely to produce meaningful weight loss. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription medications are available for eligible adults alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains what works, who is eligible, and how to explore your options with your GP.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults struggling with weight management, the NHS and private clinicians in the UK now offer several prescription weight loss medications that have shown significant clinical results. These are not replacements for healthy eating and exercise — they work alongside lifestyle changes.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks. Starting dose is 2.5 mg weekly, escalating to a maximum of 15 mg weekly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight. Maximum dose is 2.4 mg weekly.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection (not weekly). Maximum dose is 3 mg daily.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss at different medication doses. Our BMI calculator can also help you assess whether you fall into an eligible category based on NHS weight management guidelines.
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 — Finding Out If You're Eligible
In the UK, weight loss medication is available through two main routes:
- NHS: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Eligibility typically requires BMI ≥30 or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea). Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region and ICB funding.
- Private: Online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, followed by dispensing from GPhC-registered pharmacies. Available without NHS referral. Costs range from approximately £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Your first step is always a conversation with your GP. They can assess your individual health, discuss your weight loss goals, and advise you on both NHS and private options. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you've started any weight management programme.
- 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 green tea effective for weight loss on its own?
Green tea contains catechins and caffeine, which may provide a small boost to metabolism — studies suggest around 2–3% increased calorie burn. However, this effect is modest and requires consistent consumption. For significant weight loss, green tea works best as part of a calorie deficit combined with exercise. If you're seeking substantial results, prescription weight management medications show far greater clinical evidence.
What does the NHS recommend for weight loss?
The NHS recommends a combination of reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioural changes as first-line approaches. For eligible adults, prescription medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda may be offered through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Safe weight loss is typically 0.5–1 kg per week. Your GP can assess which approach suits your circumstances.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility typically includes adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds apply. A prescriber will assess your individual eligibility following a clinical consultation.
Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes — medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are now available through NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults. However, NHS access is through tier 3 services and varies by region. Waiting lists can be lengthy in some areas. Your GP can refer you and discuss local availability. Private prescribing is an alternative if you don't wish to wait.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over several months. However, individual results vary significantly — some people lose more, some less. Weight loss medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not as standalone treatments. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see estimated projections for different doses.
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.