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 Hypnosis for Weight Loss Actually Work?
Hypnosis for weight loss is a popular claim, but the evidence in the UK is mixed. While some people report modest weight loss results, most clinical trials show that hypnotherapy produces only small effects compared to standard weight management approaches. The NHS recognises that weight loss requires sustainable changes to diet and physical activity. If you're considering weight management in the UK, there are evidence-based prescription weight loss medications and lifestyle approaches backed by stronger clinical trial data available through your GP or private prescribing services.
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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 Research Say About Hypnosis and Weight Loss?
Clinical trials examining hypnotherapy for weight loss show modest and inconsistent results. A 2020 review found that hypnosis produced average weight loss of approximately 0.5 to 3 kg over several months—significantly less than lifestyle interventions or prescription weight loss medication. The NHS does not recommend hypnotherapy as a primary weight management treatment.
- Most studies show hypnosis works best when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Effects are typically small and similar to placebo in many trials
- Individual results vary widely depending on suggestibility and engagement
- Limited long-term follow-up data exists on sustained weight loss from hypnosis alone
In contrast, prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections (Wegovy and Mounjaro) have shown average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight in clinical trials, making them significantly more effective for eligible adults in the UK.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If you're looking for effective weight management in the UK, the NHS supports a stepped approach: start with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), then move to prescription weight loss medication if appropriate. Prescription weight loss injections are now available through NHS specialist services or private online prescribing for adults with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). These have strong clinical evidence behind them.
Your GP can assess your eligibility and discuss which approach suits your individual circumstances. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current BMI and understand where you fall on NHS weight categories. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can also help estimate potential results with evidence-based medication options.
- 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.
Is hypnosis for weight loss recommended by the NHS?
No. The NHS does not recommend hypnotherapy as a primary weight loss treatment. The NHS weight management pathway focuses on lifestyle changes first, then prescription medication for eligible adults. Hypnotherapy may be offered in some areas as a complementary approach, but it's not a standard NHS intervention for weight loss.
How much weight can you lose with hypnotherapy?
Clinical trials show hypnosis typically produces weight loss of 0.5 to 3 kg over several months when used alone. When combined with cognitive behavioural therapy, results may be slightly better. These results are modest compared to prescription weight loss medication, which can produce 15–clinically studied weight loss in clinical trials.
Is hypnosis safer than weight loss medication?
Hypnotherapy carries minimal medical risk, whereas prescription weight loss injections do have side effects (mainly nausea and stomach upset). However, "safer" doesn't mean "more effective." Prescription medications produce significantly better weight loss results. Your GP can assess the risks and benefits for your individual situation.
Can I get hypnotherapy on the NHS for weight loss?
Hypnotherapy is not routinely offered on the NHS for weight loss. Some specialist mental health services may offer it for anxiety or smoking cessation, but weight loss hypnosis is typically available only privately. NHS weight management services focus on behavioural support, dietary intervention, and prescription medication.
What's more effective—hypnosis or GLP-1 injections like Wegovy?
GLP-1 injections (Wegovy, Mounjaro) produce much stronger results. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–21% with GLP-1 medication versus 0.5–3 kg with hypnosis alone. GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and require clinical assessment, but they're significantly more effective for most people seeking substantial weight loss in the UK.
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.