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
Does Cryotherapy Help with Weight Loss?
Cryotherapy — exposure to extremely cold temperatures — is sometimes promoted as a weight loss method, but the evidence for significant weight loss is limited. While some small studies suggest cryotherapy may increase calorie burn slightly, these effects are typically modest and temporary. For sustainable weight management in the UK, evidence-based approaches like calorie reduction, increased physical activity, and in some cases prescription weight loss medication, remain the most effective options supported by NHS guidance.
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.
What Does the Evidence Actually Show?
Cryotherapy involves exposure to temperatures between −110°C and −140°C for 2–3 minutes in a specialist chamber, or ice baths at around 10°C for longer periods. Proponents claim it increases metabolic rate and burns calories, but the scientific evidence is weak. A small number of studies have found that acute cold exposure may increase brown adipose tissue (brown fat) activation, which burns calories for heat — however, these studies are typically short-term, involve small participant numbers, and show only modest effects.
The NHS does not recommend cryotherapy as a primary weight loss strategy. Even if a single cryotherapy session burns slightly more calories, this effect is temporary and does not translate to meaningful long-term weight loss without dietary changes. Importantly, cryotherapy is not regulated as a weight loss treatment in the UK, and costs range from £50–£300 per session — with no assures of results.
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.
Evidence-Based Alternatives for Weight Management
For sustainable weight loss, the NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which typically results in losing approximately 0.5 to 1 kg per week. This can be achieved through dietary changes and increased physical activity. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, your GP may discuss prescription weight loss medication as part of a comprehensive weight management programme.
Try our free BMI calculator above to check your current weight category, and use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with evidence-based prescription options. Our weight converter can help you track your progress in stone, pounds, or kilograms — whatever measurement you prefer.
- 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 cryotherapy approved by the NHS for weight loss?
No. The NHS does not recommend cryotherapy as a weight loss treatment. While some research suggests cold exposure may have minor metabolic effects, the evidence is insufficient to support it as a primary or standalone weight loss strategy. Focus on calorie deficit, physical activity, and evidence-based medication if eligible.
Can ice baths help me lose weight?
Ice baths may temporarily increase metabolic rate through brown fat activation, but the effect is small and short-lived. Without a sustained calorie deficit from diet and exercise, ice baths alone will not produce meaningful weight loss. They are best viewed as a supplement to proven methods, not a replacement.
How much does cryotherapy cost in the UK?
Cryotherapy sessions typically cost £50–£300 per session at private clinics. Most are not covered by NHS or private health insurance. Given the limited evidence for weight loss, this cost is generally not justified compared to investing in nutrition support or gym membership.
What's the most effective way to lose weight in the UK?
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of 500 kcal per day through healthier eating and increased physical activity, aiming for 0.5–1 kg loss per week. If you have a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with health conditions, your GP can refer you to specialist weight management services or discuss prescription options.
Are there other trendy weight loss methods I should avoid?
Weight loss methods without strong evidence include waist trainers, detox teas, and spot-reduction treatments. Always prioritise NHS-supported approaches: calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and where appropriate, prescription medication following clinical assessment by your GP.
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.