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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When To Have Green Tea For Weight Loss — And UK Prescription Alternatives
Green tea is often discussed as a natural supplement for weight loss, but timing and quantity matter less than you might think. While green tea contains compounds that may support metabolism, the evidence for significant weight loss is modest. For UK adults looking to lose weight, prescription weight management options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS weight loss services or private prescribing. These medications have strong clinical evidence behind them. Let's explore both approaches and help you understand what's available.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available In The UK
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK. Three main options are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once weekly. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight alongside diet and exercise changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, also injected once weekly. Average weight loss in clinical trials was around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, with clinical evidence supporting modest but sustained weight loss.
These are all prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Unlike supplements such as green tea, they work through hormone pathways that regulate appetite and fullness. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to see if you may be eligible for prescription weight loss support.
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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 To Weight Loss Medication
NHS access: Weight loss medication is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Your GP can refer you, but waiting lists vary significantly by region. Availability depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioning priorities.
Private access: Available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. No NHS referral needed — prescriptions are issued following a clinical assessment and dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on the medication and dose.
Whichever route you choose, prescription weight loss medication works best alongside reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity. Start a conversation with your GP about whether you're eligible and which option suits your circumstances.
- 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?
Green tea contains compounds like EGCG that may modestly support metabolism, but the weight loss effect is small — typically less than 1kg over several months. It's best viewed as a general health drink rather than a weight loss tool. For significant, sustained weight loss, prescription medications or structured lifestyle changes are more effective.
When should I drink green tea if I want to lose weight?
Timing of green tea doesn't significantly affect weight loss. It's safe to drink throughout the day, though some people prefer it earlier to avoid caffeine disrupting sleep. Focus on overall calorie intake and activity levels rather than timing supplements.
Can I use green tea instead of prescription weight loss medication?
No. Green tea is a beverage with minimal weight loss effect. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are clinically proven to support significant weight loss in eligible adults. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, ask your GP about prescription options available through the NHS or private providers.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above if you have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then discuss eligibility with your GP or a licensed prescriber through a private online consultation.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) than Wegovy (semaglutide), which is a GLP-1 agonist only (around 15% average loss). Individual results vary. Your prescriber will discuss which is most appropriate for you. ```
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.