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 Pilates Help With Weight Loss?
Pilates can help with weight loss as part of a balanced approach, but results are typically modest — pilates burns calories and builds lean muscle, which may support long-term weight management. However, for meaningful weight loss, combining exercise with dietary changes is essential. For adults who are overweight or living with obesity, UK-licensed prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer additional support when used alongside exercise and lifestyle changes. This guide explores pilates, weight management in the UK, and prescription options you may be eligible for.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults struggling to lose weight through exercise and diet alone, three prescription medications are licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Mounjaro and Wegovy are both once-weekly injections with strong clinical evidence for weight loss support.
- Mounjaro: Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity
- Wegovy: Similar results, with an average 15% body weight reduction in clinical trials
- Saxenda: A daily injection option, also licensed for weight management
These medications work by regulating appetite and supporting feeling fuller after meals. All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential weight loss outcomes at different doses.
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.
NHS vs Private Access in the UK
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services — your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and can be lengthy.
Private access: Available through UK-licensed prescribers via online consultation and GPhC-registered pharmacies, without NHS referral. Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis. To find out if you qualify, you'll need a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above, then speak with your GP or a licensed prescriber about your options for weight management support.
- 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 pilates burn more calories than walking?
Pilates burns approximately 180–250 calories per hour depending on intensity and body weight, while a moderate walk burns similar amounts. For weight loss, consistent activity combined with a calorie deficit is key. Prescription weight loss medication may provide additional support alongside your fitness routine if you're eligible.
How much weight can I lose with pilates alone?
Pilates alone typically supports modest weight loss — usually 0.5–1 kg per month when combined with a healthy diet. For more significant weight loss, a reduced-calorie diet is essential. If you've been struggling with pilates and dietary changes alone, your GP can discuss whether prescription weight loss options are suitable for you.
Can I take Mounjaro or Wegovy while doing pilates?
Yes. In fact, prescription weight loss medications are designed to be used alongside physical activity and dietary changes, not instead of them. Pilates is excellent for building lean muscle while taking weight loss medication. Always discuss any new exercise programme with your prescriber.
What's the fastest way to lose weight in the UK?
Sustainable weight loss combines a calorie deficit (around 500 calories per day for 0.5 kg per week), regular physical activity like pilates, and for eligible adults, prescription weight loss medication. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg loss per week. Speak with your GP about your personalised weight loss plan.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea). Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then contact your GP or a licensed prescriber for a clinical assessment.
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.