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
Cortisol and Weight Loss — The Stress-Weight Connection
Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by your body in response to stress. Elevated cortisol levels can make weight loss more difficult by increasing appetite, promoting fat storage around the abdomen, and slowing metabolism. Understanding how cortisol affects weight management is important for anyone trying to lose weight sustainably. While cortisol management alone won't cause weight loss, reducing stress alongside dietary changes and physical activity can support your weight management efforts. Your GP can offer personalised advice about stress and weight loss.
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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 Cortisol Affects Weight Management
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone released during the "fight or flight" response to stress. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can interfere with weight loss through several mechanisms. Increased appetite: Cortisol stimulates hunger hormones, particularly affecting cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods. Fat distribution: Excess cortisol promotes visceral fat accumulation around the abdomen, which carries greater health risks than subcutaneous fat. Metabolic effects: Sustained high cortisol may slow metabolism and increase blood sugar dysregulation, making weight management harder. Sleep disruption: Cortisol dysregulation often disrupts sleep quality, which itself impairs weight loss by affecting hunger hormones like leptin and ghrelin.
Research suggests that stress reduction strategies alongside calorie deficit and physical activity support better weight loss outcomes. However, cortisol management is one piece of a larger weight management picture — diet and exercise remain the primary drivers of sustainable weight 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.
Stress Management and Sustainable Weight Loss
If you're managing weight, integrating stress reduction techniques can support your overall efforts. Effective approaches include regular physical activity (which reduces both stress and cortisol), adequate sleep (7–9 hours nightly), mindfulness or meditation, and time outdoors. The NHS recommends combining lifestyle changes with professional support if weight is impacting your health.
For adults with weight management in the UK, your GP can discuss whether prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes may be appropriate. Use our free BMI calculator above to assess your current weight status, and try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with medical support if eligible.
- 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.
Does high cortisol directly cause weight gain?
High cortisol doesn't directly cause weight gain, but it increases appetite, promotes abdominal fat storage, and can slow metabolism. This makes it harder to maintain a calorie deficit needed for weight loss. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol are risk factors for weight gain over time, particularly when combined with poor diet and sleep.
Can stress reduction alone help me lose weight?
Stress reduction alone is unlikely to cause significant weight loss without dietary and activity changes. However, managing stress supports weight loss by improving sleep, reducing cortisol-driven cravings, and supporting adherence to healthy habits. Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of calorie deficit, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
How can I lower my cortisol levels naturally?
Evidence-based approaches include regular exercise (30+ minutes most days), 7–9 hours quality sleep, mindfulness or meditation, limiting caffeine, and spending time outdoors. Reduce high-stress situations where possible. If you suspect cortisol dysregulation is affecting your health, discuss this with your GP, who may recommend further assessment.
Is cortisol-reducing medication available on the NHS for weight loss?
No. Cortisol-reducing medications are prescribed only for specific medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome, not for general weight management. Weight loss medication on the NHS is managed through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Your GP can refer you if you meet eligibility criteria.
Can GLP-1 weight loss medication help if cortisol is high?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy work by reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals. They don't directly target cortisol, but they may support weight loss regardless of cortisol levels. However, addressing stress and sleep alongside medication (or any weight loss approach) improves overall outcomes. A prescriber can assess whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you.
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.