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
Cardio for Weight Loss: Exercise, Medication & NHS Support
Cardiovascular exercise is an effective way to burn calories and support weight management in the UK. While regular cardio combined with a healthy diet remains the foundation of sustainable weight loss, prescription weight management medications are now available for eligible adults. Understanding how cardio works alongside these UK-licensed options can help you create a comprehensive approach to losing weight and improving your health.
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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-Licensed Weight Management Medications
If you're struggling with weight management despite regular cardio and diet changes, prescription weight loss medications may be available to you in the UK. Three main options are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection taken once weekly, with clinical trials showing an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection taken once weekly, with evidence from clinical trials demonstrating approximately 15% average weight loss alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, offering another prescription option for eligible adults
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore 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 & Next Steps
In the UK, prescription weight management medications are available through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4) or private online prescribing following a clinical assessment. NHS access typically requires a GP referral and can involve waiting lists, though availability varies significantly by region. Private access through GPhC-registered pharmacies offers faster availability without NHS referral.
Your first step is to speak with your GP about your weight loss goals and whether prescription medication might be appropriate alongside your cardio routine. They can discuss your BMI, any weight-related health conditions, and whether NHS referral or private assessment is right for you. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your personal situation before your appointment, and consider tracking your weight loss journey with our progress tracker once you start any treatment plan.
- 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.
Can I lose weight with cardio alone without medication?
Yes, cardio combined with a reduced-calorie diet is effective for weight loss. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through dietary changes and increased physical activity. However, some people find prescription weight management support helpful alongside exercise for better results.
How does cardio work for weight loss?
Cardio burns calories during exercise and increases overall daily energy expenditure. A calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day typically results in losing around 0.5 kg per week. Regular cardio also improves cardiovascular health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Are GLP-1 weight loss injections available on the NHS?
Yes, Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults. However, NHS availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access is also available through online prescribing following clinical assessment.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription weight loss medication?
In clinical trials, Mounjaro showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight, and Wegovy showed approximately 15% average weight loss. Individual results vary significantly and depend on factors including your starting weight, adherence to medication, and lifestyle changes. Always use conditional language—results are not assured.
What should I discuss with my GP about weight management?
Ask your GP about your BMI, any weight-related health conditions you have, your weight loss goals, and whether prescription medications might be suitable for you. Mention your cardio routine and dietary approach. Your GP can assess eligibility and discuss NHS referral or recommend private assessment options appropriate for your circumstances.
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.