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 Treadmill Exercise for Weight Loss
Treadmill exercise is an effective way to burn calories and support weight loss, but the best approach combines regular cardiovascular activity with sustainable lifestyle changes. In the UK, many adults find that adding prescription weight management support alongside exercise delivers better long-term results. We'll explore effective treadmill strategies, how they fit into your overall weight loss plan, and the UK prescription options that may help if you're struggling with excess weight.
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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.
Effective Treadmill Workouts and UK Prescription Support
The most effective treadmill exercise for weight loss depends on your fitness level, but interval training typically burns more calories in less time than steady-state running. A 30-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session on a treadmill can burn 250–400 calories, whilst steady-state running at moderate intensity burns 200–300 calories. Key treadmill strategies include:
- Incline walking — increases calorie burn by 30–40% without high impact
- Interval sprints — alternating 1–2 minutes of high intensity with recovery periods
- Tempo runs — sustained higher pace for 20–30 minutes
- Long, steady cardio — foundation building at moderate intensity
However, exercise alone often achieves modest weight loss (typically 2–5% body weight annually). The NHS recognises that combining exercise with dietary changes and, where eligible, prescription weight management produces significantly better outcomes. If you've hit a plateau with exercise alone or have a BMI over 30, you may be eligible for GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy in the UK. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential results when prescription support is combined with your treadmill routine.
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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 Weight Management and Prescription Options in the UK
If treadmill exercise and dietary changes aren't delivering the results you need, the NHS and private prescribers in the UK offer prescription weight loss injections for eligible adults. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are once-weekly GLP-1 medications approved for weight management. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% body weight at maximum doses, alongside exercise and reduced-calorie diet. To check your eligibility: your BMI must be 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Access is through NHS specialist weight management services (waiting lists vary by region) or private online prescribing following clinical assessment. Your GP can refer you to specialist services, or you can explore private options if waiting lists in your area are long. Combining treadmill exercise with prescription support often produces the best sustainable weight loss results.
- 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 treadmill speed and duration should I use for weight loss?
Start with 30–45 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio (able to hold a conversation) 3–4 times weekly, or 20–30 minutes of high-intensity intervals twice weekly. Beginners should prioritise consistency over intensity. Use our BMI calculator to set a realistic weight loss goal, then track progress using our free progress tracker over 8–12 weeks.
Is treadmill exercise enough for sustainable weight loss?
Treadmill exercise is valuable but typically needs to be combined with a calorie deficit (reduced food intake) for meaningful weight loss. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week, which usually requires both exercise and dietary changes. If you're not seeing progress after 12 weeks, prescription weight loss medication may help.
What is Mounjaro and can it be used alongside treadmill exercise?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription GLP-1 injection approved in the UK for weight management. It works by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after meals. Yes, it's designed to be used alongside exercise and a reduced-calorie diet — treadmill workouts combined with Mounjaro often produce better results than either alone. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
You're potentially eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea). Speak to your GP, who can assess your health and refer you to specialist tier 3 weight management services. However, NHS waiting lists vary greatly by region — some areas have long delays.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS prescriptions come through specialist services (often with waiting lists) and are free on prescription. Private prescriptions are available through UK-licensed online prescribers within days, following a clinical assessment, and cost £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider. Both require a prescription from a qualified prescriber — neither is available over the counter.
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.