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
Can Dark Chocolate Help With Weight Loss?
Dark chocolate is often promoted as a weight loss aid, but the evidence is more nuanced than marketing suggests. While dark chocolate contains compounds that may offer some health benefits, it remains calorie-dense and requires careful portion control as part of any weight management plan. Understanding how dark chocolate fits into sustainable weight loss — alongside diet, exercise, and where appropriate, prescription weight loss medication — is key to realistic expectations.
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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.
What The Science Says About Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains phenolic compounds and polyphenols that have antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest dark chocolate may support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for overall wellness during weight management. However, dark chocolate is not a weight loss tool in itself — a 100g bar contains approximately 600 calories, most from sugar and fat.
- Dark chocolate may slightly improve satiety (feeling full), potentially reducing overall calorie intake if consumed mindfully
- The cocoa content matters — higher cocoa percentage (70%+) is less processed and lower in added sugar than milk chocolate
- Regular consumption of large amounts will contribute to calorie surplus, counteracting weight loss efforts
- Dark chocolate works best as a small, measured portion (10–20g) as part of a reduced-calorie diet
For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the evidence supports creating a calorie deficit through balanced nutrition and physical activity — dark chocolate can be included in moderation, but it is not a substitute for lifestyle changes.
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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.
Dark Chocolate vs. Professional Weight Management
If you are struggling with weight management, dark chocolate alone will not produce significant results. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week, which requires a sustained calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day. Use our free BMI calculator to assess your current weight status and determine whether your weight falls in the healthy range for your height.
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate. GLP-1 injections like Wegovy work through entirely different mechanisms — they reduce appetite and support feeling fuller — offering more effective weight loss than dietary tweaks alone. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with prescription support, and discuss all options with your GP.
- 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 dark chocolate burn fat?
No. Dark chocolate does not burn fat or increase metabolism significantly. Its main benefit is potential antioxidant content and slight satiety effect. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit created through reduced intake and increased activity, not through specific foods.
How much dark chocolate can I eat while losing weight?
A small portion of 10–20g (one or two squares) per day is reasonable within a reduced-calorie diet. This provides approximately 50–100 kcal and allows you to enjoy dark chocolate without exceeding your daily calorie target.
Is dark chocolate better than milk chocolate for weight loss?
Dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) typically contains less added sugar and slightly more fibre than milk chocolate, making it marginally better. However, both are calorie-dense. Portion control matters far more than the type of chocolate.
Can dark chocolate replace weight loss medication?
No. If you have been prescribed weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy, dark chocolate is not a substitute. Prescription medications work through appetite regulation and are far more effective than dietary adjustments alone for significant weight loss.
What is the best approach to weight loss in the UK?
The NHS recommends combining a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behaviour change. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss injections may support faster, more sustainable results. Start by assessing your BMI, then discuss options with 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.