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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Ayurvedic Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Ayurvedic medicine offers traditional approaches to weight management, including herbal remedies, dietary practices, and lifestyle principles based on balancing body doshas. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting ayurvedic methods as standalone weight loss solutions in the UK. Sustainable weight management typically combines evidence-based nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle change — often supported by NHS weight loss programmes or, where appropriate, prescription weight loss medication. This guide explores what ayurvedic practice offers and how it fits within modern UK health guidance.
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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.
Ayurvedic Principles and Weight Management
Ayurvedic medicine, originating from India over 3,000 years ago, views weight gain as an imbalance in the body's three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Key practices include herbal supplements like triphala and guggul, dietary modifications based on dosha type, and lifestyle practices such as oil massage (abhyanga) and meditation.
- Triphala — traditionally used to support digestion and metabolism
- Guggul — claimed to help reduce excess fat and cholesterol
- Ashwagandha — an adaptogenic herb used for stress and weight management
- Spice-based approaches — turmeric, ginger, and fenugreek incorporated into daily diet
While these practices are part of holistic wellness, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) notes that evidence for ayurvedic weight loss is limited. Most studies are small or poorly controlled. Ayurvedic herbs are not regulated as medicines in the UK, so safety and quality vary widely.
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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.
Evidence-Based Weight Management in the UK
The NHS recommends weight loss at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week through a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day, combined with increased physical activity. For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate alongside lifestyle change.
Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand your starting point. If you're exploring all available options for weight management in the UK, including prescription treatments like GLP-1 injections, our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help project potential outcomes at different doses. The evidence strongly supports combining dietary change, movement, and where needed, medical intervention — rather than relying on single alternative approaches alone.
- 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.
Is ayurvedic weight loss safe?
Ayurvedic herbs are generally considered safe in traditional use, but UK regulation is limited. Herbs are not licensed medicines here, so quality and purity vary. Always tell your GP about herbal supplements — some interact with medications or may be unsafe if you have existing health conditions.
Do ayurvedic herbs like guggul and triphala actually work for weight loss?
Evidence is limited. Small studies suggest triphala may support digestion and guggul may modestly affect cholesterol, but robust clinical trials showing significant weight loss are lacking. These work best as part of broader lifestyle change, not as standalone solutions.
Can I combine ayurvedic weight loss with NHS weight management?
Yes, you can use ayurvedic practices alongside NHS-recommended approaches. However, inform your GP of any herbal supplements you're taking, as some may interact with prescription medications or affect how other treatments work.
What's more effective — ayurvedic weight loss or prescription weight loss medication?
Prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections are backed by large clinical trials showing consistent weight loss results. Ayurvedic approaches lack this level of evidence. For significant weight loss, combining lifestyle change with evidence-based treatment (via NHS or private prescription) typically produces better outcomes.
Where can I get professional ayurvedic advice in the UK?
Ayurvedic practitioners in the UK are not regulated by the NHS or a specific governing body. Look for practitioners with formal ayurvedic training or recognised qualifications. Always ensure they work with your GP on your overall health strategy, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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