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
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Dance and Weight Loss: What Research Shows and UK Treatment Options
Research consistently shows that dance is an effective form of physical activity for weight loss and overall fitness. However, for many people, exercise alone isn't enough to achieve meaningful weight loss. That's where prescription weight management medications come in. In the UK, several GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are now available on the NHS and privately for adults with excess weight and weight-related health conditions. Combined with activity like dance and healthier eating, these treatments may support significant weight loss. Let's explore what the evidence shows and which options are available to you.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
Three prescription weight management medications are currently licensed in the UK for eligible adults: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 receptor agonist injections that work by reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals.
- Mounjaro: Once-weekly injection, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight.
- Wegovy: Once-weekly injection, maximum dose 2.4 mg. Average weight loss approximately 15% of body weight in clinical trials.
- Saxenda: Daily injection, maximum dose 3 mg. Suitable for those preferring daily dosing.
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check where you currently stand. When combined with exercise (such as regular dance) and reduced-calorie eating, these medications may help support sustainable weight loss.
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.
Accessing Prescription Weight Loss Treatment in the UK
NHS route: Prescription weight loss medication is available through tier 3 specialist weight management services. You'll need a referral from your GP, and access varies significantly by region and availability. Waiting times can be lengthy in some areas.
Private route: GPhC-registered online prescribing services offer rapid access following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. No NHS referral needed. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider.
To find out if you're eligible, speak with your GP about your weight loss goals and health history. They can assess whether prescription medication is appropriate for you alongside lifestyle changes. Track your progress using our free progress tracker, and use our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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 does dance support weight loss?
Dance is an enjoyable cardiovascular activity that burns calories, builds muscle, and improves fitness. Regular dancing can contribute to a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. However, exercise alone often isn't sufficient for significant weight loss without dietary changes and, for many people, additional support through prescription medication.
Can I take weight loss medication while doing regular exercise?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to be used alongside increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. In fact, combining medication with regular exercise (including dance) typically produces better results than either approach alone.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access in the UK?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 services requiring GP referral, with regional variation and longer waiting times. Private access is through registered online prescribers following clinical assessment, offering faster access without NHS referral. Both routes are available; the choice depends on your circumstances and preferences.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss treatment in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Use our BMI calculator above to check your current BMI, then discuss options with your GP or a licensed prescriber.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy, though individual results vary significantly. Results depend on dose, adherence, lifestyle changes, and personal factors. Your prescriber can give you personalised expectations.
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.