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 Detox Water Help With Weight Loss?
Detox water is often promoted as a weight loss solution, but the evidence behind it is limited. Water itself is essential for health and can support weight management when it replaces sugary drinks, but there's no scientific proof that "detox" water has special fat-burning properties. The NHS recommends focusing on proven approaches like calorie reduction, increased physical activity, and—where eligible—prescription weight loss medication. This guide explores what detox water actually does and what really works for sustainable weight loss in the UK.
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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 Does "Detox Water" Actually Do?
Detox water typically refers to water infused with fruits, vegetables, or herbs—like lemon and ginger water, cucumber water, or apple cinnamon water. While these drinks are hydrating and may contain some nutrients from the added ingredients, the term "detox" is misleading.
- Your liver and kidneys naturally detoxify your body—water doesn't need to "detox" you
- Infused water has minimal calories and can replace sugary drinks, which may reduce overall calorie intake
- Some ingredients (like green tea or ginger) have modest metabolic effects in large doses, but infused water contains too little to make a significant difference
- The main benefit is staying hydrated, which supports metabolism and can reduce thirst mistaken for hunger
Water itself is calorie-free and essential for health. Replacing high-calorie beverages with plain water or lightly infused water is a sensible step in any weight management approach, but it's not a weight loss treatment in itself.
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 Weight Loss: What Actually Works
The NHS emphasises that sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit—consuming fewer calories than you burn. This typically means losing 0.5 to 1 kg per week. Proven approaches include:
- Reducing calorie intake through balanced, nutritious meals
- Increasing physical activity and exercise
- Using our free BMI calculator to understand your current health status
- For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections (Mounjaro or Wegovy), which may help alongside lifestyle changes
- Tracking progress with tools designed for weight management
These evidence-based strategies address the root causes of weight gain. Detox water can be part of a healthy routine, but it's not a shortcut to weight loss.
- 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 detox water burn fat?
No. Detox water doesn't have special fat-burning properties. Water itself is essential for hydration and supports metabolism, but there's no scientific evidence that infused water burns fat. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, not specific drinks.
Is detox water better than regular water for weight loss?
Not significantly. Regular water is equally effective for hydration. Infused water may be more enjoyable for some people, which could encourage better hydration habits. The benefit comes from staying hydrated and replacing sugary drinks, not from the infusion itself.
Can lemon water help you lose weight?
Lemon water is hydrating and low-calorie, making it a good alternative to sugary drinks. However, lemon itself doesn't promote weight loss. Some claim lemon increases metabolism, but evidence is weak. Its main benefit is encouraging water intake and reducing calorie consumption from other beverages.
What's the best way to lose weight according to the NHS?
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day for gradual weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week. This involves a balanced diet, increased physical activity, and behaviour change. For eligible adults with a BMI of 30 or above, prescription weight loss medication may be considered alongside lifestyle changes.
Should I use detox water instead of weight loss medication?
Detox water and prescription medication serve different purposes. Detox water supports hydration as part of a healthy routine. For adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss injections like GLP-1 medications may help—always following a clinical assessment from your GP or a licensed prescriber.
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.