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 Estrogen Replacement Help Weight Loss?
Estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) can have complex effects on weight and metabolism, but it is not a weight loss treatment. While some women experience modest weight changes during menopause and HRT, the evidence shows that hormone therapy alone does not reliably lead to weight loss. Weight management during and after menopause requires a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and sometimes prescription medication—such as GLP-1 weight loss injections—alongside medical support from your GP.
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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.
How Estrogen Affects Weight and Metabolism
Estrogen plays a role in regulating appetite, fat distribution, and metabolic rate. During menopause, declining oestrogen levels can contribute to weight gain and changes in how the body stores fat—often around the abdomen. Some research suggests that HRT may help stabilise metabolism and reduce some menopausal weight gain, but the effect is typically modest and varies significantly between individuals.
Key points:
- HRT does not act as a weight loss medication
- It may help manage metabolic changes during menopause
- Weight gain during menopause is influenced by many factors: age, genetics, physical activity, diet, and hormonal changes
- If you are overweight or obese during menopause, your GP can discuss tailored weight management strategies
For women seeking active weight loss, prescription medications like GLP-1 weight loss injections (such as Wegovy or Mounjaro) may be appropriate following clinical assessment. These work through a different mechanism than HRT and are specifically licensed for weight management in the UK.
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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.
Weight Management During Menopause: Evidence-Based Approach
The most effective approach to managing weight during and after menopause combines lifestyle changes with medical support if needed. This includes a balanced, reduced-calorie diet; regular physical activity (both cardio and strength training); adequate sleep; and stress management. These measures can help prevent weight gain and support sustainable weight loss regardless of HRT use.
If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient and your BMI is 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions), you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through the NHS or private prescribing. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes with weight management injections. Always discuss any weight loss plan with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.
- 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 HRT help me lose weight?
HRT is not designed as a weight loss treatment. It may help manage some metabolic changes during menopause, but does not reliably lead to weight loss. Weight management requires a calorie deficit through diet and activity changes, possibly supported by prescription weight loss medication if clinically appropriate.
Why do women gain weight during menopause?
Declining oestrogen levels slow metabolism, reduce muscle mass, and may increase appetite. Ageing, reduced physical activity, genetic factors, and dietary patterns also contribute. These combined factors often result in gradual weight gain during midlife, particularly around the abdomen.
Are GLP-1 weight loss injections suitable for menopausal women?
Yes, menopausal and postmenopausal women can be prescribed GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro if they meet eligibility criteria (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related conditions). These are prescription-only and require clinical assessment by a GP or licensed prescriber. Always discuss with your healthcare provider how HRT and weight loss medication interact.
What's the best way to lose weight during menopause?
A combination of reduced-calorie balanced diet, regular exercise (especially strength training to preserve muscle), adequate sleep, stress management, and medical support if needed. Start with lifestyle changes; if these are insufficient after several months, discuss prescription options with your GP. Our BMI calculator can help assess whether you fall into categories where treatment may be recommended.
How much weight do most women gain during menopause?
Average weight gain during the menopause transition is approximately 2–3 kg (4.5–6.5 lbs) over several years, though this varies widely. Some women gain more; others maintain stable weight. Factors include genetics, activity level, diet, and HRT use. Weight gain is not inevitable—lifestyle management can prevent or minimise it. ```
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.