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
How to Lose Abdominal Fat — Evidence-Based Strategies
Abdominal fat, also called visceral fat, is particularly linked to health risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unlike fat stored elsewhere on the body, belly fat sits around your organs and is metabolically active, meaning it affects hormone regulation and inflammation. The good news is that weight management through dietary changes, physical activity, and in some cases prescription medication, can help reduce abdominal fat effectively. In the UK, GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy may support fat loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Your GP can advise whether prescription options are right for you.
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.
Why Abdominal Fat Matters for Health
Visceral fat — the fat stored deep in your abdomen — poses greater health risks than subcutaneous fat (the fat under your skin). It produces hormones and inflammatory substances that can affect blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Research shows that people with excess abdominal fat have higher risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, even if their overall BMI falls in a healthy range.
This is why waist circumference matters alongside BMI. The NHS recommends:
- Men: under 94cm (37 inches) is ideal; over 102cm (40 inches) indicates high health risk
- Women: under 80cm (31.5 inches) is ideal; over 88cm (34.5 inches) indicates high health risk
Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce visceral fat and improve health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current status and waist measurement as part of your health assessment.
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 That Target Abdominal Fat
Reducing abdominal fat requires a calorie deficit — you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through a combination of diet and increased physical activity. A deficit of around 500 kcal daily typically achieves this rate.
Dietary approaches that work: Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting (16:8), and low-calorie structured programmes all show evidence of reducing visceral fat. Regular aerobic exercise (brisk walking, cycling, running) and resistance training are particularly effective for targeting abdominal fat.
For those with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight management medication may be considered alongside lifestyle changes. GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy work by regulating appetite and supporting satiety. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to monitor both weight and waist measurements over time.
- 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.
Does abdominal fat respond differently to weight loss than other fat?
Yes, visceral fat is metabolically active and typically reduces relatively quickly with calorie deficit and exercise. Many people notice abdominal fat loss before changes elsewhere on the body. Aerobic exercise and resistance training are particularly effective for reducing belly fat specifically.
Can you lose abdominal fat without losing weight overall?
Partly. Regular exercise, especially resistance training, can improve body composition by building muscle while reducing fat. However, significant visceral fat reduction typically requires overall weight loss. Your GP can advise on healthy targets for your individual situation.
How long does it take to lose abdominal fat?
Most people notice visible reduction in abdominal fat within 4–8 weeks of consistent calorie deficit and exercise. Significant visceral fat reduction may take 3–6 months. Results vary based on starting weight, age, genetics, and adherence to lifestyle changes.
Can prescription weight loss medication help reduce belly fat specifically?
Yes. Clinical evidence shows that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy can support overall weight loss, which typically includes abdominal fat reduction. These are prescription-only and work alongside diet and exercise. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess whether you're eligible based on your BMI and health profile.
What's the best way to measure abdominal fat loss?
Waist circumference is more useful than weight alone. Measure at your natural waist (midway between rib and hip bone) monthly. Also track how clothes fit and use our free BMI calculator regularly to monitor your overall progress alongside abdominal measurements.
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.