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 Is Zepbound? UK Health Information
Zepbound is a brand name for semaglutide used for weight management in some countries, but it is not currently approved or available in the UK. If you are looking for prescription weight management options in the UK, Wegovy (also semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are the licensed alternatives. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonist medications available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following clinical assessment. This guide explains what Zepbound is, how semaglutide works, and what weight management options are actually available to UK adults seeking prescription support.
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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.
Zepbound vs UK-Licensed Alternatives
Zepbound is not approved in the UK, so it cannot be prescribed by UK doctors or accessed through NHS weight management services. However, the UK has equivalent or superior alternatives: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only medicines that work similarly to Zepbound — they are GLP-1 (and in Mounjaro's case, dual GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonists. They may help regulate appetite, support feeling fuller after meals, and slow gastric emptying. Clinical trials showed that both medications, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, may help participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, though individual results vary significantly.
Access in the UK is through: (1) NHS specialist weight management services via GP referral, or (2) private online consultations with a UK-licensed prescriber followed by prescription from a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Using our free BMI calculator above will help you determine if you meet the eligibility criteria (BMI 30+, or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions).
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.
How to Access Weight Management in the UK
If you are interested in prescription weight loss medication similar to Zepbound, start by speaking with your GP. They can assess your health, discuss whether you meet eligibility criteria, and refer you to specialist weight management services if appropriate. The NHS pathway typically involves tier 3 specialist assessment, though waiting times vary significantly by region.
Alternatively, you can access private weight management consultations online. A licensed UK prescriber will review your health and medical history during a confidential consultation. If suitable, a prescription can be issued to a registered pharmacy. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with different doses of Wegovy or Mounjaro. You can also track your progress using our free progress tracker once you begin treatment.
- 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 Zepbound available in the UK?
No, Zepbound is not approved or available in the UK. However, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are licensed UK alternatives with similar or superior mechanisms. Both are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing.
What is the difference between Zepbound and Wegovy?
Both contain semaglutide and work the same way as GLP-1 agonists. Zepbound is the brand name used in the US and some other countries; Wegovy is the UK-licensed brand. In the UK, only Wegovy is licensed for weight management, making it the prescribed option for UK patients.
Can I import Zepbound to the UK?
Importing unlicensed medicines from abroad is not recommended and may breach UK medicines regulations. Your GP cannot monitor or support treatment with unlicensed medications. Stick to UK-licensed alternatives: Wegovy or Mounjaro, both available with proper clinical oversight.
What are the eligibility criteria for UK weight management medication?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease) may be eligible. Lower thresholds apply to South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess suitability individually.
How do I find out my BMI to see if I qualify?
Use our free BMI calculator above — simply enter your height and weight in kg or stone and pounds. It will instantly show your BMI category according to NHS guidelines and indicate whether you may be eligible for prescription weight management support. ```
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.