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 Training for Weight Loss in the UK
The best training for weight loss combines regular physical activity with a reduced-calorie diet — but if you're struggling with weight management, UK prescription options are now available. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications have been licensed in the UK and can help eligible adults lose weight when combined with exercise and lifestyle changes. This guide covers both effective exercise strategies and prescription weight loss options available through the NHS or privately. Your GP can advise which approach suits your individual health needs.
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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.
Exercise, Diet, and Prescription Weight Loss Options in the UK
Effective training for weight loss typically combines cardiovascular exercise (walking, cycling, swimming) with strength training to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. However, exercise alone is rarely enough — a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day (achieved through both diet and activity) typically produces sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week.
For eligible UK adults, prescription weight loss medication now offers an additional evidence-based option. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonist injections licensed for weight management. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, while Wegovy demonstrated average losses of around 15%, though individual results vary significantly. These medications work alongside diet and exercise, not instead of them.
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.
Eligibility and Access in the UK
In the UK, adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication. Access varies: NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) can prescribe these medications, though waiting lists are often lengthy. Private online prescribing services also offer access following a clinical assessment — eligibility is assessed individually.
The best approach combines consistent training with professional support. Your GP can discuss whether prescription medication is appropriate for you and what nhs weight loss options are available in your area. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to monitor results from exercise, diet changes, or medication over time.
- 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 type of training burns the most calories for weight loss?
Cardiovascular exercise like running, cycling, and swimming burns significant calories during activity. However, strength training builds muscle, which increases resting metabolic rate long-term. The NHS recommends combining both: 150 minutes of moderate cardio per week plus two muscle-strengthening sessions. The most effective training is the one you'll stick with consistently.
Can I lose weight with exercise alone without diet changes?
Exercise contributes to weight loss but is rarely sufficient alone. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit — typically 500 kcal per day produces 0.5–1 kg per week loss. Since exercise burns 200–400 kcal per session, diet changes are essential. Combining both produces faster, more sustainable results than either alone.
Are weight loss injections available in the UK without exercise?
Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are licensed for weight management but are designed to work alongside diet and increased physical activity — not as replacements. Clinical trials showed benefits when combined with lifestyle changes. Your prescriber will advise on this during assessment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak with your GP about whether you might be eligible for NHS specialist services or explore private prescribing options.
What's the best approach — training, diet, or prescription medication?
The best approach combines all three: consistent training (150+ minutes weekly), sustainable diet changes creating a calorie deficit, and — if eligible — prescription medication for additional support. Evidence shows combined approaches produce the best long-term results. Your GP can help personalise this to your situation.
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.