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
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Aqua Aerobics for Weight Loss in the UK
Aqua aerobics is a low-impact, full-body exercise that can support weight management when combined with healthy eating and other lifestyle changes. This guide explains how water-based exercise fits into a weight loss plan, reviews UK-licensed prescription options for eligible adults, and shows how to discuss weight management with your GP. Whether you're exploring exercise alone or considering medication, understanding all your options helps you make informed decisions about your health.
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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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options for Eligible Adults
If you're working towards weight management in the UK, several prescription-only medications are available through the NHS and private prescribing. These are intended to support weight loss alongside lifestyle changes like aqua aerobics and a reduced-calorie diet, not replace them.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection licensed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection for similar eligibility criteria. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily injection also available for weight management in eligible UK adults.
All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to confirm suitability. Individual results vary, and medications are most effective when combined with physical activity such as aqua aerobics and dietary changes.
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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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Access and Talking to Your GP
NHS route: Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. NHS specialist services may offer prescription weight loss treatment, lifestyle support, and monitoring.
Private route: UK-licensed prescribers offer online consultations and can prescribe medications if clinically appropriate. This route is faster than NHS waiting lists but involves private costs.
Your GP is the best starting point. They can assess your personal health, discuss whether prescription medication is appropriate for you, review your BMI using our free BMI calculator, and explain NHS options in your area. Even if you pursue private prescribing, your GP remains your key health adviser and should always be informed of any weight loss treatment you're using.
- 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.
Can aqua aerobics alone lead to weight loss?
Aqua aerobics supports weight loss when combined with a calorie deficit through healthy eating. Exercise burns calories and improves fitness, but weight loss primarily requires eating fewer calories than you expend. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week, which typically requires a 500 kcal daily deficit through diet and activity combined.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Lower thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults. Your GP can assess your personal eligibility and discuss options.
How do GLP-1 injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy work?
These medications activate natural hormone pathways in the body to help regulate appetite, reduce food cravings, and support feeling fuller after meals. They're prescription-only and work best alongside reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity—including exercise like aqua aerobics.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss treatment?
NHS treatment is free but involves referral to specialist services with varying availability and waiting times by region. Private treatment is faster and doesn't require NHS referral, but involves private costs. Both require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber and clinical assessment.
Can I combine aqua aerobics with weight loss medication?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications are most effective alongside lifestyle changes including regular physical activity and healthy eating. Aqua aerobics is an excellent low-impact exercise choice. Always inform your prescriber of your exercise routine, and speak to your GP before starting any new medication or intensive exercise programme.
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.