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 Going Gluten Free Help With Weight Loss?
Going gluten free is often marketed as a weight loss solution, but the evidence is more nuanced. For most people without coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, eliminating gluten alone does not automatically lead to weight loss. However, the dietary changes that sometimes accompany a gluten-free diet — such as eating more whole foods and reducing processed products — may support weight management. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, evidence-based approaches like calorie deficit, increased physical activity, and lifestyle changes remain the most effective long-term strategies.
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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 the Evidence Say About Gluten Free and Weight Loss?
Research shows that gluten itself is not inherently fattening. Weight loss occurs through calorie deficit — consuming fewer calories than you burn — regardless of whether those calories come from gluten-containing or gluten-free foods. A gluten-free diet does not automatically create this deficit.
- Many gluten-free processed foods are higher in sugar, fat, and calories than their wheat-based equivalents to improve taste and texture
- Gluten-free products often contain more calories per serving
- Simply swapping gluten-containing foods for gluten-free versions without reducing portion sizes typically does not result in weight loss
- For people with coeliac disease, going gluten-free is medically necessary but weight changes vary individually
The weight loss some people experience on a gluten-free diet usually comes from increased awareness of food choices and eating more whole, unprocessed foods — not from eliminating gluten itself. If you're considering weight loss, our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current health metrics and set realistic goals.
Weight 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.
What Actually Works for Weight Loss in the UK?
For sustainable weight loss, the NHS recommends a balanced approach combining dietary changes and physical activity. Evidence-based methods include creating a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day (which typically results in losing 0.5–1 kg per week), eating more whole foods, staying physically active, and managing portion sizes.
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication may be an option following clinical assessment. Medications like GLP-1 injections are prescribed within the NHS or through private prescribing and work alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them. Use our free weight loss calculator to explore how different approaches might support your goals, and always consult your GP about what's right for your individual health.
- 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.
Will going gluten free automatically help me lose weight?
No. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, not gluten elimination. Many gluten-free processed foods are higher in calories than wheat-based alternatives. Weight loss on a gluten-free diet typically comes from increased food awareness and eating more whole foods, not from gluten removal itself. For sustainable weight management in the UK, focus on calorie balance and physical activity.
Is gluten free good for weight management?
For people without coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet is not inherently beneficial for weight management. However, if going gluten free encourages you to eat more whole, unprocessed foods and fewer processed products, this mindful eating approach may support weight loss. The key is creating a calorie deficit, not avoiding gluten.
Can gluten free food be high in calories?
Yes. Many commercial gluten-free products contain added sugars, fats, and starches to improve taste and texture, making them higher in calories than conventional versions. Always check nutrition labels. Choosing naturally gluten-free whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and legumes is more supportive of weight management than processed gluten-free alternatives.
What's the best approach to weight loss according to the NHS?
The NHS recommends a balanced approach: create a moderate calorie deficit (around 500 kcal per day), eat more whole foods, increase physical activity, and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Weight loss should be gradual — approximately 0.5–1 kg per week. For personalised advice, consult your GP or use our free BMI calculator to assess your starting point.
Are prescription weight loss injections available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions) may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication through NHS specialist weight management services, though availability and waiting times vary by region. These medications are prescribed alongside dietary changes and physical activity, not as standalone treatments. ```
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.