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
Do Pilates Help With Weight Loss in the UK?
Pilates can be a useful part of a weight management UK programme, helping build strength and improve fitness. However, for many people, exercise alone isn't enough to achieve significant weight loss. The good news is that prescription weight loss medication is now available in the UK for eligible adults. These medications work differently from pilates — they help regulate appetite and support sustainable weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. This guide explains how pilates fits into your weight management journey and what prescription options are available through the NHS or privately.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you're looking for more support with weight loss, the UK offers three prescription-only GLP-1 and dual-action medications licensed specifically for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight at the highest dose alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Once-weekly injection.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight. Once-weekly injection.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist administered as a daily injection.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment before prescription. Individual results vary significantly. These medications are typically prescribed when lifestyle changes — including exercise like pilates — need additional support.
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.
NHS vs Private Access and How to Check Your Eligibility
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication access depends on your eligibility and route:
- NHS route: Refer to your GP, who may refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
- Private route: Online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers followed by pharmacy dispensing if clinically appropriate. No NHS referral required.
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI, and speak with your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication might be suitable for you.
- 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.
Can pilates alone help me lose weight without medication?
Pilates can support weight loss by building strength and improving fitness, but results depend on consistency, diet, and overall calorie balance. Many people find combining pilates with dietary changes and potentially prescription medication more effective. The NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day for sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg weekly.
Are UK weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy safe?
Yes, both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only medicines licensed in the UK and have been through clinical trials. They do have side effects — commonly nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation — which usually improve over time. A prescriber will assess whether the medication is safe and appropriate for your individual health before prescribing.
How much weight will I lose with prescription medication?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and 15% with Wegovy, alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. However, individual results vary significantly. Some people lose more, some less. Your actual weight loss depends on genetics, adherence, diet, and exercise. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected results.
Can I combine pilates with weight loss medication?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, combining prescription weight loss medication with regular exercise like pilates is recommended. The medication helps regulate appetite whilst pilates builds strength and supports cardiovascular fitness. This combination approach is more effective than either alone for sustainable, healthy weight loss.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment on the NHS?
Start by speaking with your GP. You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health condition. Your GP can assess you and, if appropriate, refer you to a specialist weight management service. Waiting times vary by region, so ask about timelines in your area.
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.