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
Cycling for Weight Loss — How It Helps
Cycling is an effective, low-impact exercise that can support sustainable weight loss when combined with dietary changes and other healthy lifestyle habits. Whether you're looking to lose weight or improve overall fitness, regular cycling burns significant calories and builds muscle, which helps with long-term weight management in the UK. Our free BMI calculator can help you establish where you are now, and track your progress as you build a cycling routine.
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.
How Cycling Supports Weight Loss
Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that burns calories and supports weight management UK-wide. The number of calories you burn depends on several factors: your current weight, cycling intensity, duration, and terrain.
- Moderate cycling (12–14 mph on flat terrain) burns approximately 240–300 calories per hour for an average adult
- Vigorous cycling (16–19 mph or hills) burns 400–600+ calories per hour
- Regular cycling builds lean muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate — meaning you burn more calories even at rest
NHS weight loss guidance emphasises that sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal daily. Cycling can contribute significantly to this deficit when combined with balanced nutrition. Unlike high-impact exercises, cycling is gentler on joints, making it accessible for most fitness levels and more sustainable long-term.
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.
Combining Cycling with Prescription Weight Loss
If you're exploring prescription weight loss medication options through NHS specialist services or private assessment, cycling fits perfectly alongside these approaches. Prescription weight loss injections like GLP-1 medications may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller, while regular physical activity like cycling enhances results and improves cardiovascular health.
Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help project potential results when combining exercise with medication support. The most effective weight management combines dietary changes, regular activity like cycling, and where clinically appropriate, prescription weight loss treatment. Always consult your GP before starting a new exercise programme, especially if you have existing health conditions or are considering prescription weight loss medication.
- 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 many calories does cycling burn for weight loss?
Moderate cycling burns 240–300 calories per hour; vigorous cycling burns 400–600+ calories per hour depending on intensity and your weight. Combined with a calorie-deficit diet, regular cycling supports the 0.5–1 kg weekly loss the NHS recommends. Use our free weight converter and BMI calculator to track your progress.
How often should I cycle to lose weight?
For sustainable weight loss, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling per week (roughly 30 minutes, 5 days weekly), or 75 minutes of vigorous cycling. Consistency matters more than intensity — regular, manageable cycling is better than occasional intense sessions.
Can cycling alone help me lose weight?
Cycling alone supports calorie burn but works best combined with healthy eating habits. NHS guidance emphasises that weight loss requires both physical activity and dietary changes. Cycling helps create a calorie deficit, but balanced nutrition is equally important for sustainable results.
Is cycling suitable for someone with excess weight?
Yes, cycling is particularly good for weight management because it's low-impact, protecting joints while burning significant calories. Start with comfortable intensity and gradually increase duration and effort. Your GP can advise on safe exercise levels for your individual health profile.
Can I combine cycling with GLP-1 weight loss medication?
Yes, combining regular exercise like cycling with prescription weight loss treatment (where clinically appropriate) supports better results. Always inform your prescriber about your exercise plans and consult your GP before starting new physical activity, especially if using any medications.
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.