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 Baking Soda Help With Weight Loss?
Baking soda is often mentioned online as a weight loss remedy, but the evidence for its effectiveness is very limited. While some people believe it can boost metabolism or reduce appetite, there is no strong scientific support for these claims. If you're looking for weight loss support in the UK, proven approaches like balanced nutrition, physical activity, and—for some people—prescription weight loss medication offer far better results. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight status and whether you might benefit from structured weight management support.
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.
What Does the Evidence Say About Baking Soda?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkaline substance sometimes promoted for weight loss based on the idea that it might improve digestion or increase metabolism. However, scientific evidence supporting this is extremely weak. A few small studies have looked at sodium bicarbonate and exercise performance, but none have demonstrated meaningful weight loss benefits.
The theory behind baking soda for weight loss usually rests on one of these claims:
- It reduces stomach acid, improving digestion and metabolism
- It alkalises the body, which supposedly speeds up fat burning
- It suppresses appetite
None of these mechanisms have solid scientific backing. In fact, consuming too much baking soda can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances. The NHS does not recommend baking soda as a weight loss tool, and there is no evidence it produces measurable results in UK weight management studies.
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.
Proven Alternatives for Weight Loss in the UK
If you're interested in weight management in the UK, evidence-based approaches include a reduced-calorie balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behavioural support. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results.
For people with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, prescription weight loss medication may be an option. GLP-1 injections like Wegovy or dual GIP/GLP-1 injections like Mounjaro are licensed in the UK and—when combined with lifestyle changes—have shown significant results in clinical trials. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible and discuss the right approach for your situation.
- 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 baking soda actually burn fat?
No. There is no scientific evidence that baking soda burns fat or boosts metabolism. While it's a safe food ingredient in normal cooking amounts, consuming it as a weight loss supplement is not effective and can cause side effects like nausea and electrolyte imbalances.
Is baking soda safe for weight loss?
In cooking quantities, baking soda is safe. However, consuming large amounts as a weight loss remedy can be harmful. Excess sodium bicarbonate may cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle weakness. Always consult your GP before using any supplement for weight loss.
What weight loss methods are actually proven to work?
A reduced-calorie diet, regular physical activity, behavioural support, and—for eligible people—prescription weight loss medication. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg weight loss per week. Use our free BMI calculator to check if you might be eligible for prescription weight loss support.
What are GLP-1 injections and how do they help weight loss?
GLP-1 injections like Wegovy are prescription medicines that mimic a natural hormone reducing appetite and promoting fullness. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% of body weight. They're available on the NHS through specialist services or privately following clinical assessment.
How do I know if I need weight loss medication?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible. Your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help estimate potential results if you're considering this option.
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.