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
How Cycling Supports Weight Loss
Cycling is one of the most sustainable and enjoyable ways to support weight loss in the UK. Whether you're cycling for transport, leisure, or fitness, this low-impact activity burns significant calories whilst being kind to your joints. Combined with a calorie deficit and healthy eating, regular cycling can help you lose weight at a healthy, sustainable rate. For many people, cycling becomes a long-term habit that supports ongoing weight management and better overall 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.
How Much Weight Can Cycling Help You Lose?
The amount of weight you can lose through cycling depends on several factors: your current weight, cycling intensity, duration, and frequency. As a general guide:
- Moderate cycling (12–16 km/h): Burns approximately 240–360 kcal per hour for an average adult
- Vigorous cycling (19–24 km/h): Burns approximately 480–720 kcal per hour
- Mountain biking or fast-paced cycling: Can burn 600–900+ kcal per hour
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day for sustainable weight loss of approximately 0.5 kg per week. Cycling 3–4 times weekly at moderate intensity, combined with mindful eating, can contribute meaningfully to this deficit. However, weight loss also depends on your overall diet. Use our free BMI calculator above to track where you are now, and our free progress tracker to monitor your results over time.
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.
Cycling as Part of Your Weight Management Strategy
For sustainable weight loss, cycling works best as part of a broader weight management approach. The NHS recommends combining regular physical activity with a balanced diet and realistic calorie reduction. Cycling supports this by:
- Burning calories consistently without high joint impact
- Building cardiovascular fitness and leg muscle strength
- Reducing stress, which can support better food choices
- Creating a sustainable habit you can maintain long-term
If you're exploring additional nhs weight loss options beyond exercise and diet, prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate for some people. A GP or specialist can assess whether weight management approaches are right for your individual situation. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes if medication is recommended as part of your 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.
How often should I cycle to lose weight?
For meaningful weight loss support, aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous cycling. This typically breaks down to 3–4 cycling sessions weekly. Consistency matters more than intensity — a regular habit at moderate pace is more sustainable than occasional intense sessions. Always build up gradually to avoid injury.
Can I lose weight with casual cycling?
Yes, but the calorie burn from casual cycling is modest. Leisurely cycling at 12 km/h burns roughly 240 kcal per hour. To support meaningful weight loss, combine casual cycling with dietary changes and ensure you're in an overall calorie deficit. Try our weight converter to understand healthy weight targets, then track progress with our free progress tracker.
Does cycling burn more calories than walking?
Yes, cycling typically burns more calories than walking at equivalent effort levels. Moderate cycling burns 240–360 kcal/hour versus walking at 3–4 km/h which burns roughly 150–240 kcal/hour. However, walking is more accessible for many people. Choose the activity you'll maintain consistently — the best exercise is the one you'll do regularly.
Should I cycle every day for weight loss?
Daily cycling is safe for most people, but rest days are important for recovery and injury prevention. If cycling daily, vary intensity — mix moderate and easy sessions. The NHS recommends combining regular activity with adequate rest. Quality and consistency over months matter more than daily intensity.
Can cycling replace diet changes for weight loss?
No. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, which is primarily achieved through diet. Exercise supports this by burning calories and improving fitness, but you cannot out-cycle a poor diet. Combine regular cycling with balanced eating and you'll see results. For personalised guidance, ask your GP about weight management uk options available through the NHS.
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.