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
Will Citalopram Cause Weight Loss?
Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety in the UK. Unlike some medications, citalopram typically does not cause weight loss — in fact, weight gain is a more common side effect for many users. If you're interested in weight loss medication or want to understand your options for weight management in the UK, prescription weight loss treatments are available for eligible adults. This guide explains how citalopram affects weight and what prescription weight loss options exist through the NHS and private healthcare.
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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.
How Citalopram Affects Weight
Citalopram works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety. This mechanism can affect appetite regulation in different ways for different people. Weight gain is reported by approximately 20–30% of users, typically occurring gradually over weeks to months. Some users experience no significant weight change, and a small minority report modest weight loss — but this is less common than weight gain.
- Weight gain usually develops within the first 3–6 months of treatment
- Average weight gain is 2–4 kg, though individual responses vary
- Appetite changes, reduced physical activity, and metabolic effects can all contribute
- Stopping citalopram does not clinically studied weight loss returns — weight loss must be addressed separately
If you're experiencing weight gain on citalopram, speak with your GP before making any changes to your medication. Your GP may adjust your dose, switch you to an alternative antidepressant with different weight effects, or recommend weight management 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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options in the UK
If weight management is a health priority for you, the UK has three NHS-approved prescription weight loss medications. These are available to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are once-weekly injections; Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection.
- Mounjaro: Dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist — clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight
- Wegovy: GLP-1 agonist — average weight loss approximately 15% of body weight
- NHS access: Referral to tier 3 specialist weight management services required; availability varies by region
- Private access: Available through online prescribing following clinical assessment
Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss at different doses. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to see if you may be eligible.
- 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 citalopram help with weight loss?
No, citalopram is not a weight loss medication. It's an SSRI antidepressant used for depression and anxiety. Weight gain, not loss, is a common side effect. If weight management is your goal, speak with your GP about prescription weight loss options like Mounjaro or Wegovy, which are specifically designed to support weight loss in eligible adults.
How much weight do people typically gain on citalopram?
Average weight gain ranges from 2–4 kg over the first 3–6 months, though individual responses vary significantly. Some users experience no change, and a small minority lose weight. Factors include dose, individual metabolism, diet, and physical activity levels. If you're concerned about weight gain, discuss this with your GP.
Will I lose weight if I stop taking citalopram?
Not automatically. While some users may lose weight after stopping citalopram, weight loss is not assured and depends on diet, exercise, and other factors. Weight management usually requires intentional lifestyle changes or prescription weight loss treatment. Always discuss stopping medication with your GP — never stop antidepressants suddenly.
What prescription weight loss options are available on the NHS in the UK?
Three medications are approved: Mounjaro and Wegovy (once-weekly injections) and Saxenda (daily injection). Eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Access is through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services — ask your GP for a referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
Can I get weight loss medication privately if I'm not eligible for the NHS?
Yes. Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through private online prescribing following a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber. Private treatment is available to eligible adults without an NHS referral. Costs vary by dose and provider. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results.
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.