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
Free tracker included with every download this week
Can GERD Cause Weight Loss?
Yes, GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can contribute to weight loss, though it's not always the primary cause. When acid reflux symptoms are severe, people often eat less frequently or in smaller portions to avoid triggering discomfort. Additionally, GERD can affect how your body absorbs nutrients, and certain medications used to treat reflux may influence appetite and weight. However, unexpected weight loss should always be discussed with your GP, as it can signal other underlying health conditions that need investigation and support.
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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.
How GERD Affects Weight and Appetite
GERD can influence weight loss in several ways:
- Reduced food intake — persistent heartburn and regurgitation discourage eating, leading to fewer calories consumed and gradual weight loss
- Nutrient absorption — chronic reflux may reduce the stomach's ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals efficiently
- Medication effects — some GERD medications, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can alter appetite signalling and metabolism over time
- Stomach discomfort — pain and nausea associated with reflux make eating unpleasant, naturally reducing portion sizes
If you're experiencing both GERD symptoms and unintended weight loss, it's important to mention both to your GP. While mild weight loss can occur with reflux management, significant or gradual weight management requires investigation to rule out other conditions such as thyroid problems, malabsorption issues, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
When to Seek GP Advice About Weight Loss and GERD
Unexpected weight loss—particularly more than 5% of your body weight over a few months—should prompt a conversation with your GP, even if you have diagnosed GERD. Your GP can assess whether your weight loss is directly related to reflux symptoms or whether other factors are at play. Use our free BMI calculator to track your weight trends and establish a baseline, which you can then discuss with your healthcare provider. Some people managing weight through lifestyle changes or prescription weight loss medication may experience intentional weight loss; however, unintended weight loss alongside GERD symptoms needs proper clinical evaluation to ensure your overall health is supported.
- 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 weight loss a normal symptom of GERD?
Weight loss can occur with GERD, but it's not inevitable. Severe symptoms that reduce eating frequency may lead to gradual weight loss. However, mild to moderate GERD often doesn't affect weight significantly. Any unintended weight loss should be reviewed by your GP.
Can GERD medication help me lose weight?
GERD medications are designed to reduce acid reflux, not aid weight loss. Some PPIs may slightly affect appetite, but this is a side effect, not a benefit. If you're interested in weight management options in the UK, discuss this separately with your GP or a specialist.
Will treating my GERD help me regain weight?
Yes, successfully managing GERD often allows people to eat more comfortably, which can lead to weight gain. Once reflux symptoms improve, appetite typically normalises, helping restore a healthy weight for your height and age.
How does GERD differ from side effects of weight loss medication?
GERD is a digestive condition; some weight loss medications (like GLP-1 injections) actually cause nausea and reduced appetite as therapeutic effects. Your GP can help distinguish between treatment side effects and independent conditions.
Should I lose weight if I have GERD?
For people with overweight or obesity, modest weight loss can actually improve GERD symptoms because extra weight increases pressure on the stomach. However, this should be done gradually and under GP guidance to avoid triggering severe reflux.
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.