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 Walking App For Weight Loss
Walking is one of the most accessible ways to support weight management and improve overall fitness. The best walking apps for weight loss in the UK help you track steps, distance, and calories burned while keeping you motivated. However, for many adults struggling with excess weight, walking alone may not be enough. This guide covers effective walking apps alongside UK-licensed prescription weight management options available to eligible adults.
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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.
Walking Apps vs Prescription Weight Management
Walking apps like Strava, MapMyWalk, and Fitbit are excellent tools for tracking activity and building healthy habits. They offer features such as GPS tracking, step counting, calorie estimates, and social motivation. For sustainable weight management in the UK, most health professionals recommend combining regular physical activity with dietary changes.
However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions), you may be eligible for UK-licensed prescription weight loss medication. These medications are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes, not replace them. Three main options are currently available: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 injection; and Saxenda (liraglutide), a daily injection. Clinical trials have shown these medications can help participants lose an average of 14–21% of their body weight when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — results vary significantly between individuals.
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 — How to Find Out If You're Eligible
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes:
- NHS access: Through specialist tier 3 weight management services — typically requires a GP referral. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas.
- Private access: Through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber — available without NHS referral.
To find out if you're eligible, start by checking your BMI using our free BMI calculator above. If you fall into the eligible BMI range, have a conversation with your GP about what options are available in your area, or explore private prescribing options. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess your individual health to determine whether prescription weight loss medication is right for you.
- 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 a walking app alone help me lose weight?
Walking apps are valuable for tracking activity and building healthy habits, but sustainable weight loss typically requires a combination of regular physical activity, dietary changes, and calorie awareness. If you have a high BMI and other weight loss attempts haven't worked, speak to your GP about prescription weight management options available in the UK.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Mounjaro showed slightly higher average weight loss in clinical trials (up to 20.9% vs 14.9%), but both are effective. Individual results vary significantly. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option for you.
How do I access prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Speak to your GP and ask for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above (or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). NHS availability and waiting times vary by region. Private options are also available if NHS services have long waiting lists.
Are prescription weight loss injections safe?
Yes, when prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional and monitored appropriately. All UK-licensed weight loss medications have undergone rigorous safety testing. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhoea, typically manageable and often reduce over time. Always discuss risks and benefits with your prescriber.
Can I use a walking app alongside prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, absolutely. Prescription weight loss medications work best alongside lifestyle changes including regular physical activity and dietary improvements. Using a walking app to track activity complements medical treatment well. Your prescriber will give you personalised guidance on combining medication with physical activity.
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.