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 Weight Loss Workout — UK Health Guide
The best weight loss workout combines regular physical activity with a calorie deficit, but many UK adults also benefit from prescription weight management options alongside exercise. Whether you're looking for an effective workout routine or exploring medication-based weight loss, this guide covers evidence-based approaches available to you in the UK. We'll explain how exercise fits into your overall weight loss strategy and what prescription options—including GLP-1 injections—may be available depending on your BMI and health circumstances.
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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 Options Alongside Exercise
If you're considering weight management in the UK, three prescription medications are currently licensed for weight loss: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications work by helping regulate appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals—they're most effective when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, including the best weight loss workouts for your fitness level.
- Mounjaro: Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection, doses 2.5–15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight alongside lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy: GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection, doses 0.25–2.4 mg. Average weight loss approximately 14.9% body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda: GLP-1 agonist, once-daily injection, doses 0.6–3 mg. Effective for weight management alongside exercise and diet.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment to determine eligibility. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different 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 and Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing. NHS access typically requires referral from your GP to a tier 3 specialist service; availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private prescribing offers faster access following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, though costs apply.
To find out if you're eligible, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page—adults with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension) may be candidates for prescription weight loss treatment. Start by speaking with your GP about your weight loss goals, current fitness routine, and whether prescription medication alongside the best weight loss workouts might be appropriate 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.
What's the best weight loss workout to combine with GLP-1 medication?
The best weight loss workout includes both cardiovascular exercise (150 minutes per week brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) and resistance training (2–3 sessions weekly). GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work best when combined with regular activity and a calorie deficit. Your GP or a fitness professional can suggest a programme tailored to your fitness level and health.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% with Mounjaro and approximately 14.9% with Wegovy, achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. Individual results vary significantly—some people lose more, others less. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see estimated projections based on your starting weight and chosen dose.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
NHS prescription weight loss treatment is typically available for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, heart disease). Access is through tier 3 specialist weight management services via GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary by region—ask your GP about local services.
Can I get prescription weight loss medication privately?
Yes. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are available through private online prescribing in the UK following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route offers faster access than NHS specialist services but involves private costs, which vary by dose and provider.
Do I need to exercise while taking Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes. Clinical trials showed that GLP-1 medications are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Exercise supports cardiovascular health, preserves muscle mass during weight loss, and enhances overall outcomes. Discuss the best weight loss workout routine with your GP or a fitness professional.
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.