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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Does Cabbage Soup Help You Lose Weight?
Cabbage soup is often promoted as a quick weight loss solution, but the evidence is mixed. While cabbage is genuinely nutritious and low in calories, the "cabbage soup diet" alone isn't a sustainable approach to weight management. Sustainable weight loss in the UK typically involves a balanced calorie deficit alongside physical activity. MyWeightCheck recommends using our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point, then exploring evidence-based approaches — including dietary changes and, where appropriate, prescription weight loss medication — with guidance from your GP.
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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.
What the Evidence Shows About Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is low in calories (typically 40–50 kcal per 100g) and contains fibre, which supports satiety. This makes it a useful addition to a healthy diet. However, research does not support the "cabbage soup diet" — a fad diet claiming gradual weight management in weeks — as an effective long-term solution.
Why cabbage soup alone isn't enough:
- Very restrictive diets lead to rapid water loss, not fat loss
- Muscle is lost alongside fat without adequate protein
- Weight typically returns when normal eating resumes
- Nutritional deficiencies can develop with extreme restriction
- Unsustainable — most people cannot maintain such restrictive eating
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through a balanced approach combining dietary changes, physical activity, and behaviour modification. Any diet plan should be discussed with your GP, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
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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.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss in the UK
Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day, which typically results in 0.5 kg weight loss per week. This is achieved through a combination of reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity — not through single-food solutions.
For adults struggling with weight management, UK healthcare services now offer additional support. NHS weight management services provide tier 3 specialist interventions. For those who meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions), prescription weight loss medication may be considered. GLP-1 weight loss injections are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, or use our weight converter to track progress in stone and pounds.
- 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.
Is the cabbage soup diet safe?
Short-term, it's unlikely to cause serious harm, but it's very restrictive and not nutritionally balanced. gradual weight management from extreme restriction causes muscle loss, not just fat loss. Any dramatic dietary change should be discussed with your GP first, particularly if you take medications or have health conditions.
How much weight can you lose on a cabbage soup diet?
Initial weight loss (week 1–2) is typically rapid — 3–5 kg — but this is mostly water loss, not fat loss. Fat loss is much slower. Once normal eating resumes, water weight usually returns. Sustainable fat loss is approximately 0.5–1 kg per week through balanced calorie deficit.
Can cabbage soup be part of a healthy weight loss plan?
Yes — cabbage is nutritious, low-calorie, and high in fibre. However, it should be one part of a balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and other vegetables — not the sole focus. Use our free BMI calculator to set realistic weight targets, then build a sustainable eating plan around whole foods.
What's better than the cabbage soup diet for weight loss?
The NHS recommends a balanced, sustainable approach: a calorie deficit of 500 kcal daily (through diet and activity), combined with behaviour change support. For adults who meet eligibility criteria, prescription weight loss medication (GLP-1 injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro) may be appropriate alongside lifestyle changes. Discuss options with your GP.
Does the NHS recommend cabbage soup diets?
No. The NHS advocates sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week through balanced eating, physical activity, and behaviour support. Fad diets, including the cabbage soup diet, are not recommended because they're not sustainable long-term. Your GP can signpost you to evidence-based weight management services in your area.
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.