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 Statins Cause Weight Loss?
Statins are prescription medications commonly used in the UK to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. A common question is whether statins cause weight loss. The short answer is: statins are not designed for weight loss, and research shows they typically do not cause significant weight loss. In fact, some people experience slight weight gain while taking statins. If you're concerned about your weight and cholesterol levels, there are evidence-based approaches the NHS supports, including lifestyle changes and, for some people, prescription weight management medication. Understanding how statins work and what actually helps with weight loss can help you have an informed conversation with 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.
How Statins Work and Weight Changes
Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver produces. They are highly effective for cardiovascular risk reduction but are not designed to aid weight loss. Research shows that statins do not typically cause weight loss—some people even experience modest weight gain of around 1–2 kg over several years of use.
Weight changes on statins can happen for several reasons: some statins may slightly increase appetite, metabolism can slow slightly with age (not directly from the statin), or lifestyle factors may change independently. The NHS confirms that statins are not weight loss medications, and their primary role is cholesterol management.
- Statins reduce cardiovascular risk regardless of weight
- Weight gain on statins is modest and not universal
- If weight loss is a health goal, it requires separate intervention
- Talk to your GP if you notice significant weight changes
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.
Effective Weight Management in the UK
If you're overweight or obese and want to lose weight for your health, the NHS supports a stepped approach: start with lifestyle changes (reduced-calorie diet and physical activity), then move to specialist support if needed.
For some people, prescription weight management medication may be appropriate alongside lifestyle changes. Options include GLP-1 receptor agonist injections like Wegovy (semaglutide), which has NHS evidence supporting its use in specialist weight management services. Try our free BMI calculator above to check your current status, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential weight loss with medication. If you're taking statins and concerned about weight, your GP can assess whether additional weight management support 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.
Do statins cause weight loss?
No. Statins are not weight loss medications. They lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. Research shows statins do not typically cause weight loss; some people experience slight weight gain. If weight loss is a goal, it requires separate intervention through diet, exercise, or prescription weight management medication.
Can I stop taking statins to lose weight?
No. Statins are prescribed for cardiovascular health and should never be stopped without advice from your GP. If you're concerned about weight while on statins, discuss this with your GP—they may suggest lifestyle changes or refer you to weight management services, but stopping statins is not the answer.
What causes weight gain on statins?
Weight gain on statins is usually modest (1–2 kg) and may be due to: slight appetite changes, independent lifestyle factors, or natural aging. Statins themselves don't cause significant weight gain. If you notice substantial weight changes, inform your GP to rule out other causes.
What prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) are licensed for weight management in UK adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. These are prescription-only and available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. They work alongside diet and exercise.
Should I take statins and weight loss medication together?
Yes, it's safe to take statins and weight loss medication together. In fact, losing weight while on statins can improve overall cardiovascular health. Always inform any prescriber of all medications you're taking, including statins, so they can assess suitability and monitor for any interactions.
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.