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 GERD Cause Weight Loss?
GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can affect weight in different ways, though it doesn't directly cause weight loss in most cases. Some people with GERD experience appetite changes or difficulty eating due to discomfort, which may lead to reduced food intake. However, the relationship between GERD and weight is complex and varies between individuals. If you're experiencing GERD symptoms alongside unexplained weight changes, it's important to discuss this with your GP to understand what's happening and get appropriate support.
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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 GERD Can Affect Weight and Eating
GERD doesn't typically cause weight loss directly, but it can influence weight management through several mechanisms. Discomfort from acid reflux may make eating painful or uncomfortable, leading some people to eat smaller meals or less frequently. This reduced food intake can result in weight loss over time. Additionally, GERD medications (particularly proton pump inhibitors) can affect nutrient absorption and appetite regulation, which may impact weight.
Conversely, some people with GERD gain weight because they eat more to ease reflux symptoms, or because they lie down after eating (which increases reflux). GERD is also more common in people with obesity, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. The key point is that weight changes with GERD should be monitored — unexplained loss or gain warrants a GP consultation. If you're tracking your weight management and concerned about digestive symptoms, use our free BMI calculator to establish your baseline health metrics and discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.
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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.
When to See Your GP About GERD and Weight Changes
Contact your GP if you experience persistent heartburn or reflux more than twice weekly, especially if accompanied by unintentional weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or severe chest pain. Unexplained weight loss (more than 3 kg over several weeks without dietary changes) is a symptom that always warrants medical investigation, as it can indicate various underlying health conditions beyond GERD.
Your GP can assess whether your GERD is contributing to weight changes and recommend appropriate treatment. This might include lifestyle modifications, antacid medications, or referral to a gastroenterologist if symptoms are severe. Don't assume weight loss is positive if it's unintentional — your GP needs to understand the cause to ensure your overall health remains supported.
- 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 GERD cause weight loss?
GERD can indirectly contribute to weight loss in some people by making eating uncomfortable, leading to reduced food intake. However, this isn't a direct effect of GERD itself. Weight loss is more often caused by decreased appetite or difficulty eating due to reflux discomfort. Unintentional weight loss should always be discussed with your GP.
Does acid reflux make it harder to lose weight?
GERD itself doesn't prevent weight loss, but some factors associated with it might. GERD medications can affect nutrient absorption and appetite. Additionally, people often eat more slowly or in smaller quantities due to reflux, which can complicate calorie management. Your GP can advise on the best approach for your situation.
Is GERD more common in people with obesity?
Yes, GERD is significantly more common in people with obesity. Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, which can worsen reflux. This creates a bidirectional relationship — obesity increases GERD risk, and GERD symptoms may complicate weight management. NHS weight loss support can help address both conditions.
Can GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy worsen GERD?
Some people experience worsened GERD or nausea when starting GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, as these medications slow gastric emptying. If you have existing GERD and are considering prescription weight loss medication, discuss this with your GP or prescriber. They can assess whether it's suitable for you and monitor your symptoms closely.
What should I do if I'm losing weight unintentionally with GERD?
Unintentional weight loss is always worth investigating with your GP, even if you have GERD. Your doctor needs to rule out other causes and ensure your nutritional status is adequate. Keep a record of your weight changes and any associated symptoms to share with your GP. Try our free progress tracker to monitor weight changes over time.
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.