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The NHS recommends using your body mass index or BMI as one possible indicator of a healthy weight range. The BMI is a score that’s calculated based on your height, weight, and age. The score for a healthy weight, depending on these factors, sits between 18.5 and 24.9. BMI is one measure used to assess suitability, but it is not a complete assessment of health. Your clinician will consider your BMI alongside other relevant clinical information.

To get a broader picture of your weight and health, the NHS advises that you should also measure your waist size. This is because excess fat in your abdominal area can mean a higher risk of health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. For women with a waist measurement above 31.5 inches, or men above 37 inches, weight loss may be recommended.

Before considering any weight loss medication, it's essential to prioritise healthy lifestyle changes. Incorporating a balanced diet and regular physical activity into your routine can be effective in achieving weight loss goals.

By adopting a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, you equip your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally while curbing excess calorie intake. Think of incorporating colourful vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your meals.

Complementing your dietary adjustments, regular physical activity is a cornerstone in the journey towards reaching a healthy weight. Engaging in activities that elevate your heart rate, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, not only burns calories but may also improve cardiovascular health. Finding enjoyable forms of exercise can make it easier to commit to a consistent routine. For instance, you might explore dance classes, yoga sessions, or even recreational sports that pique your interest, fostering a positive relationship with movement.

However, for some individuals, additional support may be needed. There are alternative medications available (see above) that can help with weight loss, in some circumstances. These are only available after a full medical consultation with a clinician.

Eligibility can only be reviewed during a full consultation with a clinician and depends on the weight loss pathway and an individual clinical assessment. Factors may include your age, BMI, relevant health conditions, current medicines and other safety considerations.

A healthy weight can mean having more energy, which in turn provides motivation to incorporate regular exercise into your day-to-day routine. This helps you to maintain that healthy weight and can also support positive mental health and wellbeing.

A BMI in the healthy range for your height, gender, and age, along with a healthy waist size, may be associated with a lower risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, plus day-to-day benefits like less tiredness and joint pain.

There are a few different ways to find out more information about the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service.

• Ask MyLo, our automated weight management information tool, any questions you might have about weight loss or our weight-management service by clicking the button above.

• Visit our Weight Loss page to view all the different weight-management options from Online Doctor.

• Find even more information, guidance, and advice on weight loss in our Health Hub.

MyLo, the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor automated information tool, takes weight management advice and information written and reviewed by our expert clinical team and uses it to answer your questions through our handy chat tool on this page. MyLo is not monitored by a clinician in real time and cannot provide personalised clinical advice.

The Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service is designed to offer you safe, high-quality care that’s both convenient and clinically robust. Depending on the condition you're seeking treatment for and the consultation programme in use, Pharmacy2U works in partnership with trusted third-party healthcare providers to deliver the service.

While Pharmacy2U facilitates the process, your consultation and treatment are provided directly by a dedicated team of registered clinicians. This separation ensures that prescribing decisions are made independently and in your best interest, in line with healthcare regulations.

Clinical assessment, prescribing, and ongoing clinical support:

Expert Health Ltd provides the clinical and prescribing services for Online Doctor. Expert Health is registered in England and Wales (company number 04058287), with its registered office at Lumina, Park Approach, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8GB. Expert Health is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). For healthcare regulatory purposes, Expert Health’s Online Doctor service is overseen by its Registered Manager.

Dispensing and delivery:

Prescriptions issued as part of the Online Doctor service are dispensed by Pharmacy2U, which is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), and delivered by Royal Mail.

Complaints and patient queries:

If you have any questions about your account or delivery the Pharmacy2U Customer Care team is here to help. Questions about your consultation or treatment should be directed to the clinical team and medicine-supply questions to the pharmacy team.