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 Chickpeas Healthy for Weight Loss?
Chickpeas are a nutritious food that can support weight loss goals as part of a balanced diet. Rich in plant-based protein and fibre, they help you feel fuller for longer, which may reduce overall calorie intake. However, food alone isn't always enough for significant weight management. For UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above—or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions—prescription weight loss medication is also available through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explains chickpeas' role in weight management alongside the prescription options available to 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.
Chickpeas and Weight Loss: What the Evidence Shows
Chickpeas are high in soluble fibre and plant-based protein, two nutrients that promote satiety and help stabilise blood sugar. A 100g portion of cooked chickpeas contains roughly 9g of protein and 8g of fibre, making them an excellent addition to salads, curries, and soups. Studies suggest that high-fibre foods like chickpeas reduce hunger hormones and support sustainable weight loss when part of a calorie-controlled diet.
- Fibre content: Aids digestion and prolongs fullness between meals
- Low glycaemic index: Prevents rapid blood sugar spikes that trigger cravings
- Versatile: Easy to incorporate into everyday UK meals
However, chickpeas alone won't deliver the weight loss results needed for adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions. That's where prescription weight loss options come in alongside dietary changes and physical activity.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss in the UK: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda
If you're struggling with weight management despite dietary improvements, UK-licensed prescription medications are available. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists—injection-based medications that reduce appetite and help you feel fuller on smaller portions. In clinical trials, these medications achieved average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise. Saxenda (liraglutide) is another option, administered as a daily injection. You can access these through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. Your GP can discuss eligibility and refer you to specialist services, or you can explore private options online. Results vary by individual, and prescription medications work best alongside the kind of nutritional changes—like adding chickpeas to your diet—that support long-term health.
- 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.
Are chickpeas low in calories?
Cooked chickpeas contain roughly 164 calories per 100g, making them moderate in calories but high in satiating fibre and protein. They're calorie-efficient when portion-controlled and paired with vegetables and whole grains as part of a balanced meal.
How do chickpeas compare to prescription weight loss medication?
Chickpeas support weight loss through satiety and nutrition, but prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work via hormone pathways that reduce appetite more directly. For eligible adults with BMI 30+, medication combined with dietary changes—including chickpeas—typically produces better results than food alone.
Can I use MyWeightCheck's tools to track my weight loss with chickpeas and medication?
Yes. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results with prescription medication, and track your progress with our free progress tracker. You can also calculate your current BMI using our BMI calculator to check eligibility for prescription options.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may be eligible. Speak to your GP for a referral to NHS specialist services, or consult a private prescriber for assessment.
Should I only eat chickpeas for weight loss?
No. Weight loss requires a balanced, varied diet with a calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and (if eligible) prescription support. Chickpeas are one nutritious component of a sustainable approach, alongside vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and lifestyle changes.
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.