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 Diet for Acid Reflux and Weight Loss
Managing acid reflux whilst trying to lose weight requires careful dietary choices, as many common trigger foods are high in calories. The good news is that a thoughtful approach to weight management can actually improve reflux symptoms. This guide covers evidence-based dietary strategies, safe weight loss rates, and how prescription weight loss medications may help both conditions. We'll also explain how MyWeightCheck's free BMI calculator can help you track whether you're in a healthy weight range, as excess weight itself can worsen acid reflux. Always consult your GP before making major dietary changes or starting any weight loss treatment.
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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.
Dietary Strategies for Acid Reflux and Weight Loss
Foods to avoid or limit: Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, vinegar), spicy foods, high-fat foods (fried items, full-fat dairy), chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol all relax the oesophageal sphincter or increase stomach acid. These are often calorie-dense anyway, so limiting them helps both reflux and weight loss.
Foods to favour: Lean proteins (chicken, fish, turkey), wholegrain carbohydrates, vegetables (green beans, broccoli, asparagus), healthy fats (olive oil, avocado), and low-fat dairy. These support weight management and won't trigger reflux.
Meal timing and portion size: Eat smaller, frequent meals (every 3–4 hours) rather than large meals. Large meals increase stomach pressure and reflux risk. Avoid eating within 2–3 hours of bedtime. Slow eating and thorough chewing reduce reflux and help satiety signals reach your brain, supporting weight loss.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large volumes with meals — sip water between meals instead.
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.
Weight Loss, Reflux Severity, and Prescription Options
Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce acid reflux symptoms because excess weight increases abdominal pressure on the stomach. Use our free weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.
For adults with a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (which may include reflux-related issues), prescription weight loss medications are available on the NHS through specialist tier 3 services, or privately through online assessment. These medications, including GLP-1 medications available through NHS weight management or private prescribing in the UK, work by reducing appetite and supporting portion control — both crucial when managing reflux.
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide may cause nausea initially, which some reflux sufferers find challenging. Your prescriber will assess whether this is appropriate for you. Weight loss achieved through any method — diet, exercise, or medication — typically improves reflux within weeks.
- 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 weight loss improve acid reflux?
Yes. Excess weight increases intra-abdominal pressure, pushing stomach acid upward. Losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly reduce reflux symptoms. NHS guidance emphasises sustainable loss of 0.5–1 kg per week through diet and physical activity changes.
Are there medications that help both acid reflux and weight loss?
GLP-1 weight loss medications (like Wegovy, semaglutide) reduce appetite and support gradual weight loss, which can improve reflux. However, GLP-1 medications may cause nausea initially. Your GP or prescriber will assess suitability. Prescription weight loss treatment in the UK requires clinical assessment and is available through NHS specialist services or private online prescribing.
What's the safest rate of weight loss when managing acid reflux?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week through calorie deficit and activity increases. gradual weight management can trigger reflux symptoms. Calculate your healthy weight range using our free BMI calculator to set realistic targets based on your height.
Can GLP-1 injections like Wegovy make acid reflux worse?
GLP-1 medications slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, which theoretically could worsen reflux in some people. Nausea is a very common side effect. If you have active reflux, discuss GLP-1 medication with your prescriber first — they may recommend different options or timing strategies.
How do I know if my BMI means I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
Adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI, then speak to your GP about specialist weight management services or private prescribing options available in the UK.
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.