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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Women's Calorie Intake for Weight Loss in the UK
Understanding calorie intake is essential for sustainable weight loss, but individual needs vary based on age, activity level, and metabolism. The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 calories per day to lose approximately 0.5 kg per week safely. However, for many women, achieving consistent weight loss through calorie counting alone can be challenging. This guide covers recommended daily calorie intake, safe approaches to weight loss, and UK-licensed prescription options available to support your weight management journey alongside lifestyle changes.
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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 Calorie Recommendations and Prescription Weight Loss Options
The average adult woman needs approximately 2,000 calories per day to maintain current weight, though this varies with age, height, and activity level. To lose weight, the NHS recommends creating a calorie deficit of 500–750 calories daily, which typically results in losing 0.5–1 kg per week. This safe rate minimises muscle loss and supports long-term adherence.
For women who struggle with traditional calorie restriction, prescription weight management medications are now available in the UK. These include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist; evidence demonstrated approximately 15% average weight loss
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection for eligible women
These medications are prescription-only and work alongside reduced-calorie diets and physical activity. Use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes if you're eligible, and our BMI calculator to determine your current weight management status under NHS weight loss criteria.
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 and Private Prescribing in the UK
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes: NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services (requiring a GP referral) or private online prescribing (following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber). NHS access varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy in some areas. Many women find private prescribing more accessible, with medication dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Your GP can discuss whether prescription support is appropriate for you, or you can explore eligibility through a private clinical assessment. Always combine any medication with sustainable dietary changes and physical activity for best results.
- 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.
How many calories should an average woman eat to lose weight?
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day, which typically results in losing around 0.5 kg per week. For most women, this means eating around 1,500 calories daily, though individual needs vary with age, height, metabolism, and activity level. A GP can provide personalised guidance.
Is 1,200 calories per day safe for women?
A 1,200 calorie diet is considered a low-calorie diet and should only be followed under medical supervision. Eating too little can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown. The NHS recommends gradual weight loss of 0.5–1 kg weekly rather than rapid restriction.
Can prescription weight loss medication help if calorie counting isn't working?
Yes. UK-licensed GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy may help reduce appetite and support fuller feelings after smaller meals, making calorie deficit easier to maintain. They're prescribed alongside diet and exercise changes, not instead of them, for eligible women.
How do I know if I'm eligible for NHS prescription weight loss treatment?
You're generally eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Eligibility is assessed individually. Speak to your GP about referral to specialist weight management services, or explore private prescribing through a UK-licensed prescriber.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21%. Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only; evidence showed approximately 15% average weight loss. Both are once-weekly injections, prescription-only, and individual results vary significantly.
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.