Understanding weight
Is Obesity a Disease?
Understand how biology, health and everyday circumstances affect weight, and why long-term support can matter.
Understand obesity and long-term care →
For treatment information alongside these guides, see our weight loss medications overview.
Explore Weight Loss Medication Guides
Mounjaro
Guides covering side effects, dosage, diet plans, comparisons and practical support.
Wegovy
Guides covering treatment timelines, side effects, eligibility and support.
Weight-Loss Pills
Explore guides on oral weight-loss medicines, including Wegovy tablets, Foundayo and emerging treatment options.
New to Weight Loss Treatment? Start Here
Start with clear, practical information on how treatment works and its possible side effects, then use the calculators to understand your calorie needs and whether you may meet the usual starting criteria.
Beginner's guide
Weight Loss Injections Explained
Learn how GLP-1 weight loss injections work, how treatments differ and what to expect from assessment, results and side effects.
Understand weight loss injections →
Beginner's guide
Weight Loss Injection Side Effects
Understand the most common side effects, what may help and when symptoms need prompt or urgent medical advice.
Understand injection side effects →
Calculator
Weight Loss Medication Calorie Calculator
Estimate a practical daily calorie target using your height, weight, age and activity level.
Use the calorie calculator →
Calculator
BMI Weight Loss Calculator
Check your BMI and get an initial indication of whether you may meet the usual criteria for prescription treatment.
Use the BMI weight loss calculator →Diet & Lifestyle
Practical guidance on food, sleep, activity and sustainable habits that can support weight loss, whether you are using treatment or not.
Cost & Value
Practical advice to help you understand treatment costs, compare options and make a safe, informed decision.
New & Emerging Topics
Clear, clinically responsible coverage of developing weight-loss treatments, research and safety questions.
Usage & Storage
Helpful advice on using treatment correctly, including dosing, injection guidance, storage information and travelling with medication.
Results & Expectations
Information about expected weight loss timelines, treatment progress, clinical results and factors that may influence outcomes.
Explore More Weight Loss Guides
How Often Should You Weigh Yourself on Mounjaro or Wegovy?
How often should you weigh yourself on Mounjaro or Wegovy? For most people, weighing once a week under similar conditions gives a useful picture of progress on Mounjaro or Wegovy. Choose the same day and roughly the same time, ideally...
Are Weight Loss Injections Worth It? UK Cost and Value Guide
Quick answer: Weight-loss injections can be worth it when they are clinically appropriate, affordable for the expected treatment period and supplied with reliable prescribing support. The value is personal. Compare the full monthly cost with what is included, how treatment...
Holiday Weight Gain: How to Get Back on Track
Quick answer: Holiday weight gain is often a mixture of extra food, alcohol, retained fluid and a change in routine. Return to regular meals, normal portions, hydration and everyday movement rather than trying to compensate with fasting or an extreme...
How to Overcome Fear of Needles for Weight Loss Injections
Quick answer: You can learn how to overcome a fear of needles by making the procedure predictable, using the right coping technique for your symptoms and facing the fear gradually rather than avoiding it. Tell your pharmacist or prescriber before...
Alcohol and Weight Gain: What Is the Link?
Quick answer: Alcohol and weight gain are connected mainly through the calories in drinks and the way alcohol can affect appetite and food choices. It does not mean that one drink automatically causes weight gain. What matters is how often...