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
Can You Lose 70 Pounds? A UK Health Guide
Losing 70 lb (approximately 32 kg or 5 stone) is a significant weight loss goal that may be realistic with sustained effort and professional support. The timeline and method depend on your current weight, health, and the approach you choose—whether through lifestyle changes alone, prescription weight loss medication, or a combination. This guide explains what's achievable, how long it typically takes, and the options available through the NHS and privately in the UK.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
Weight Loss Timeline and Realistic Targets
The NHS recommends losing weight at a sustainable rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week, which equals approximately 2 to 4 kg per month. At this pace, losing 32 kg (70 lb) would take between 8 and 16 months—a realistic and healthy timeframe for lasting results.
- With a calorie deficit alone: A daily deficit of 500 kcal typically results in 0.5 kg weekly loss; 750 kcal daily deficit yields approximately 1 kg per week.
- With GLP-1 medication: Clinical trials show participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight. For someone starting at a higher weight, this could represent 70 lb or more, though individual results vary significantly.
- Faster results: Some people lose more rapidly initially, but sustainable loss requires lifestyle changes alongside any medication.
Use our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand your starting point and explore potential outcomes at different rates.
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.
Weight Loss Methods Available in the UK
Lifestyle approach: Reduced-calorie diet combined with increased physical activity remains the foundation of weight management in the UK. The NHS Weight Loss Plan and digital tools provide free support for sustainable changes.
Prescription weight loss injections: GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are licensed for weight management uk in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. These are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing, always requiring clinical assessment first.
Combined approach: Most effective results combine medication (if eligible) with diet and exercise changes.
- 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 long would it realistically take to lose 70 pounds?
At the NHS-recommended rate of 0.5–1 kg per week, losing 32 kg (70 lb) would take 8 to 16 months. With prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes, some people achieve results within this timeframe, though individual outcomes vary. Faster loss is possible but may increase muscle loss risk.
Is 70 lb weight loss achievable without medication?
Yes. A consistent calorie deficit through diet and increased physical activity can result in 70 lb weight loss over time. The NHS recommends this approach as the first step. However, prescription weight loss medication may support and accelerate results for those who meet eligibility criteria and wish to explore this option.
What health conditions qualify for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with at least one weight-related condition (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease), may be eligible. Your GP can assess whether prescription treatment is appropriate for you.
How much weight did people lose in the Wegovy clinical trials?
In the STEP-1 trial, participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg (the maximum Wegovy dose) lost an average of approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks—roughly 10–12 stone (65–75 kg) for someone starting at a higher weight. However, individual results vary, and outcomes depend on lifestyle changes alongside medication.
Can I track my weight loss progress with a free tool?
Yes. MyWeightCheck offers a free progress tracker to log your weight, BMI, and measurements over time. This helps you monitor trends, stay motivated, and share progress with your GP. Combined with our weight converter and BMI calculator, you have all the tools needed to track your journey.
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.