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
Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss
The best cardio machine for weight loss depends on your fitness level, joint health, and personal preference — there's no single "best" option. However, rowing machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals all offer effective calorie-burning workouts when combined with a healthy diet. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for sustainable weight management in the UK. The machine you'll use consistently is often the most effective one. Alongside exercise, tools like our free BMI calculator can help you track whether your fitness efforts are supporting healthy weight progress.
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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.
Top Cardio Machines for Weight Loss Compared
Rowing machine: Burns approximately 400–600 calories per hour and engages full-body muscles, making it one of the most calorie-efficient options. Low impact on joints but requires proper technique to prevent back injury. Excellent for building lean muscle while losing weight.
Treadmill: Burns 500–800 calories per hour depending on speed and incline. High-impact, so less suitable for people with joint problems. Familiar to most users and allows easy intensity adjustment.
Stationary bike: Burns 300–600 calories per hour with minimal joint stress. Excellent for people with knee or ankle issues. Recumbent bikes offer back support for added comfort.
Elliptical trainer: Burns 400–600 calories per hour with very low impact. Easier on joints than running but may feel less natural for some users. Good middle-ground option for beginners to weight loss fitness.
The best choice combines calorie burn with sustainability — a machine you'll actually use regularly has greater weight loss impact than the theoretically "best" option you avoid.
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.
Cardio, Weight Loss Medication, and Sustainable Results
For many people in the UK, sustainable weight loss involves both increased physical activity and dietary changes. Those considering GLP-1 weight loss medication — such as prescription injections — should know that exercise alone typically produces modest results. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand how medication might complement cardio exercise, though individual results vary significantly.
The NHS recommends combining regular cardio exercise with a reduced-calorie diet for best results. If you're overweight and considering medication options, use our free BMI calculator to track your current health status, then discuss all options — lifestyle, dietary changes, and prescription weight management — with your GP. Consistency with your chosen cardio machine, combined with good nutrition, remains the foundation of lasting weight loss.
- 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.
Which cardio machine burns the most calories per hour?
Treadmills typically burn 500–800 calories per hour at moderate-to-high intensity, followed closely by rowing machines at 400–600 calories. However, rowing engages more muscle groups. Calorie burn varies by individual weight, fitness level, and intensity — heavier individuals burn more calories on any machine.
Is cardio alone enough for sustainable weight loss?
No. The NHS recommends combining regular cardio exercise with a reduced-calorie diet for sustainable weight loss. Exercise alone typically produces modest results. A calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day — combining diet and exercise — supports losing approximately 0.5 kg per week.
Which cardio machine is best if I have joint problems?
Stationary bikes and elliptical trainers are lowest-impact options. Rowing machines are also low-impact but require good technique. Treadmills are highest-impact. Speak to your GP if you have specific joint concerns before starting a new exercise routine.
How often should I use a cardio machine for weight loss?
The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults. This can be achieved through 30 minutes on 5 days, or broken into shorter sessions. Consistency matters more than intensity — a machine you use regularly beats a theoretically "better" machine you avoid.
Can I lose weight with cardio if I'm significantly overweight?
Yes, but results are usually gradual. Those with a BMI over 30 should combine cardio with dietary changes and may benefit from discussing all weight loss options with their GP — including prescription weight management medication alongside exercise. Use our free BMI calculator to track your progress. ```
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.