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
Are Apples Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, apples can support weight loss as part of a balanced diet. They're high in dietary fibre and water, which help you feel fuller for longer, and contain around 95 calories per medium apple. However, diet alone isn't always enough for significant weight management. If you're struggling with weight, UK-licensed prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available for eligible adults alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explains both dietary approaches and medication options for weight management in the UK.
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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.
Apples and Weight Loss — Dietary Benefits
Apples are genuinely helpful for weight loss for several evidence-based reasons. A medium apple contains approximately 95 calories, 4.4g of dietary fibre, and 86% water — this combination creates a low-calorie, high-satiety food that helps you feel satisfied after eating. The soluble fibre (pectin) in apples slows digestion, which can reduce hunger cravings between meals.
Research shows that people who include high-fibre foods like apples in their diet tend to consume fewer total calories throughout the day. The NHS recommends eating whole fruits rather than juices — the skin and flesh contain most of the fibre, which is what triggers fullness signals to your brain. Eating an apple before a meal may also reduce portion sizes at that meal.
However, apples work best as part of a calorie deficit. The NHS recommends weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week, which typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. Apples alone won't create this deficit — they're most effective when combined with other lower-calorie whole foods, regular physical activity, and sustained 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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options
If dietary changes alone aren't delivering results, UK-licensed prescription weight loss medications are available for eligible adults. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both GLP-1 based medications approved by the MHRA for weight management. Both work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller meals.
In clinical trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of body weight, while Wegovy showed average losses around 15% — though individual results vary significantly. These medications are available through NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing following a clinical assessment.
Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be eligible for prescription support. Speak with your GP to explore what's available in your area.
- 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 many calories are in an apple?
A medium apple contains approximately 95 calories. A large apple has around 115–120 calories. Apples are low in calories but high in water and fibre, making them filling despite the modest calorie content. The skin contains most of the fibre, so eating whole unpeeled apples is more beneficial for weight loss than peeled apples.
Can you lose weight eating only apples?
No. The "apple diet" or any single-food diet is not sustainable or nutritionally balanced. While apples are healthy, weight loss requires a calorie deficit alongside balanced nutrition including protein, healthy fats, and other vegetables. The NHS recommends sustainable lifestyle changes rather than restrictive dieting. Prescription weight management options may be more effective than extreme dietary restriction.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only injections approved in the UK for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) than Wegovy (around 15%) in clinical trials, though individual results vary. Both require a clinical assessment before prescription and are used alongside lifestyle changes.
How do I know if I'm 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 health conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may have lower thresholds. Your GP can assess your eligibility and refer you to NHS specialist services, or you can access private prescribing through a UK-licensed online prescriber following a clinical assessment.
Is NHS weight loss support available on the NHS?
Yes. The NHS offers tiered weight management support: Tier 1 includes digital tools and community programmes; Tier 2 involves GP-led behaviour change support; Tier 3 includes specialist multidisciplinary services where prescription medications may be offered. Access varies significantly by region and availability. Speak with your GP about what's available in your local area. Our BMI calculator can help you understand your starting point for discussion with your healthcare provider.
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.