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 Gym Routine for Weight Loss — With UK Medication Support
Exercise is a cornerstone of sustainable weight management, but for many UK adults, combining a structured gym routine with prescription weight loss medication can significantly improve results. If you're overweight or obese, your GP can assess whether prescription options like Mounjaro or Wegovy might support your weight management journey alongside exercise and dietary changes. This guide explains the most effective gym routines for weight loss and how medication fits into the bigger picture of weight management in the UK.
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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 Medication — What's Available?
Three prescription weight loss medications are currently licensed in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 receptor agonists (or in Mounjaro's case, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) that work by regulating appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller meals.
Eligibility includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Clinical trials show these medications can support weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with exercise and reduced-calorie diet — though individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will assess whether medication is appropriate for you based on your personal health profile.
Use our free BMI calculator above to check where you stand, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different medication doses.
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 — Finding the Right Path for You
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4) and private online prescribing through GPhC-registered pharmacies. NHS access requires referral from your GP and typically involves assessment by a specialist team, though waiting times vary significantly by region. Private prescribing is faster and does not require NHS referral, but involves upfront costs.
Start by speaking to your GP about your weight management goals and whether prescription medication might help you. Your GP can discuss NHS options, refer you if appropriate, or advise on private access. Combined with a consistent gym routine, reduced-calorie eating, and our progress tracker to log your weight changes, medication can be a powerful tool for sustainable weight loss and improved health outcomes.
- 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.
What is the best gym routine for weight loss in the UK?
The most effective routines combine cardiovascular exercise (30–150 minutes per week) with strength training (2–3 sessions weekly). Resistance work helps preserve muscle during weight loss, whilst cardio burns calories efficiently. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes moderate aerobic activity weekly alongside muscle-strengthening on 2+ days. Consistency matters more than intensity — find a routine you'll stick to long-term.
Can I get weight loss medication on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, if eligible. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services. You'll need referral from your GP and assessment by a specialist team. Eligibility requires a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with weight-related conditions). Availability and waiting times vary by region — ask your GP about local services.
How much weight can I lose combining exercise with prescription medication?
Results vary individually, but clinical trials show Mounjaro and Wegovy users lose approximately 15–21% of body weight over 12–24 months when combined with exercise and dietary changes. A gym routine amplifies medication effects — the NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results that preserve muscle and overall health.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only injectables used weekly, but Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), whilst Wegovy (semaglutide) activates one (GLP-1). Clinical data suggests Mounjaro may support slightly higher average weight loss, though individual response varies. A prescriber will assess which suits your personal health needs based on clinical assessment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your BMI, then speak to your GP. They'll assess your eligibility for NHS or private prescribing and discuss whether medication is right for your weight management plan.
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.