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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Best App For Walking For Weight Loss in the UK
Walking is excellent for health and fitness, but if you're looking to lose weight effectively, combining physical activity with other strategies — including prescription medication where eligible — gives better results. In the UK, several options are available to support weight management uk, from NHS-funded programmes to prescription weight loss medication. This guide covers walking apps alongside UK-licensed prescription options for adults who may benefit from additional support.
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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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're overweight or living with obesity, prescription weight loss medication may be available through the NHS or private prescribing. The most effective options for weight management in the UK include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection (once weekly). Evidence demonstrates average weight loss of around 15% alongside lifestyle changes.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, approved for weight management in UK adults.
Eligibility for prescription weight loss medication typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. These medications work by helping regulate appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals, making dietary changes easier to maintain alongside activity like walking.
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.
NHS vs Private Access and Next Steps
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services following GP referral. Availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private access: GLP-1 medications are available through private online prescribing following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
Start by calculating your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your weight status. If you have a BMI of 27 or above, or 30 or above with no health conditions, discuss prescription weight loss options with your GP. They can advise whether medication is suitable for you and guide you through NHS or private routes. Walking combined with appropriate weight management — whether through diet, medication, or both — creates the most sustainable results. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes if you're eligible for prescription support.
- 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 walking apps alone help me lose weight?
Walking is valuable for cardiovascular health and can contribute to weight loss when combined with a calorie deficit. However, walking alone typically results in modest weight loss. Most effective results come from combining walking with dietary changes and, if eligible, prescription weight management medication. A reduction of 500 calories per day through diet, activity, and (where appropriate) medication typically supports 0.5–1kg loss weekly.
What makes Mounjaro different from other weight loss injections available in the UK?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways — GIP and GLP-1 — unlike single-mechanism medications like Wegovy. This dual action may provide greater appetite reduction and support better weight loss results in clinical trials. However, all prescription weight loss medications require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber and should be combined with lifestyle changes including physical activity.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Access is through specialist weight management services following GP referral. Eligibility varies by region (ICB). Your GP can assess whether you meet criteria and discuss whether referral is appropriate. Private online prescribing may be available if you prefer not to wait for NHS services.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription weight loss medication?
Clinical trials show average weight losses of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy, over approximately 68–72 weeks. However, individual results vary significantly. Weight loss depends on the dose, how well you tolerate the medication, dietary adherence, and physical activity level. Your prescriber will discuss realistic expectations during your clinical assessment.
Should I stop walking if I start prescription weight loss medication?
No — physical activity remains important alongside prescription medication. Walking combined with GLP-1 medication and dietary changes creates the best outcomes. Medication helps regulate appetite and support feeling fuller, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit whilst staying active. Always discuss your exercise plans with your prescriber, especially if you have existing health conditions.
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.