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 Pilates Help With Weight Loss?
Yes, pilates can support weight loss as part of a balanced approach, though results depend on intensity, frequency, and combined lifestyle changes. Pilates builds lean muscle, improves core strength, and increases daily calorie expenditure — all helpful for weight management. However, for significant weight loss UK adults may also benefit from understanding all available options, including NHS-approved prescription medications for those who qualify. This guide covers how pilates fits into a weight management strategy alongside other evidence-based approaches.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 for Eligible Adults
For those seeking comprehensive weight management UK, prescription medications are available through the NHS and private prescribers. Three UK-licensed options are currently available: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide).
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. These prescription weight loss injections work by regulating appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals — often used alongside diet and physical activity changes like pilates.
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with GLP-1 medications, though individual results vary significantly. Prescription options are available through NHS specialist weight management services (often with waiting lists) or private online prescribing following a clinical assessment. Your GP can discuss which approach might suit your circumstances.
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.
Getting Started: NHS vs Private Assessment
If you're interested in prescription weight loss medication UK, your GP is the starting point. You can ask for a referral to your local NHS tier 3 specialist weight management service, though availability and waiting times vary by region.
Alternatively, private online prescribing is available without NHS referral — a UK-licensed prescriber will assess your eligibility based on your health history and BMI. Many people combine medication with lifestyle approaches like pilates for best results. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you stand, and consider tracking your progress with our weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with different approaches. Starting a conversation with your GP about all available options is always recommended.
- 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 pilates alone enough for weight loss?
Pilates supports weight loss by building muscle and increasing calorie burn, but results are modest without also creating a calorie deficit through diet. Most people combine pilates with dietary changes for meaningful weight management. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medication can provide additional support alongside exercise and healthy eating.
What prescription weight loss options are available on the NHS?
The NHS offers Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Eligibility requires BMI 30+, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Access is through referral from your GP, though waiting times vary significantly across UK regions.
How does pilates compare to other forms of exercise for weight loss?
Pilates builds lean muscle and core strength, but lower-intensity pilates burns fewer calories than aerobic exercise like running or cycling. Combining pilates with cardio and strength training, plus a calorie deficit, tends to produce better weight loss results. Prescription weight loss medication can complement any exercise routine.
Can I use pilates while taking weight loss medication?
Yes — in fact, combining exercise with prescription weight loss medication often produces better results. Pilates is a safe, low-impact option for most people. Always discuss any new medication with your GP or prescriber to ensure it's suitable for your fitness level and health history.
Where can I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
Your GP can assess your eligibility based on your BMI and health conditions. For private assessment, you can consult a UK-licensed prescriber online. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current status, then speak with your GP about next steps toward weight management that suits your situation.
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.