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 Weight Loss Decrease Blood Pressure?
Yes, weight loss can significantly decrease blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure (hypertension). According to NHS guidance, even a modest 5–10% reduction in body weight can lead to meaningful improvements in blood pressure readings. For many people, weight management is one of the most effective non-medication approaches to improving cardiovascular health. If you're overweight or obese, losing weight through diet, physical activity, and where appropriate, prescription weight management medication, can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Weight Loss Affects Blood Pressure
Excess body weight increases the strain on your heart and blood vessels, forcing your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body. This increased workload raises blood pressure. When you lose weight, your heart doesn't need to work as hard, and blood vessel function improves, naturally lowering blood pressure.
Clinical evidence shows:
- For every 1 kg of weight loss, blood pressure can drop by approximately 1 mmHg
- A 10 kg weight loss may reduce systolic blood pressure by 5–20 mmHg
- Weight loss of 5–10% of body weight often produces significant improvements
- Benefits appear within weeks of starting weight loss, even before reaching a healthy BMI
Use our free BMI calculator above to check where you currently stand, and our weight loss calculator to estimate potential improvements with structured weight management.
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.
Prescription Weight Management Options in the UK
For adults struggling with weight management, UK-licensed prescription medications can support weight loss alongside lifestyle changes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 weight loss injections available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Clinical trials show these may help participants lose 15–21% of body weight on average, which could translate to significant blood pressure improvements.
Eligibility criteria include a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable for you as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.
- 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.
How much weight do I need to lose to lower my blood pressure?
Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight often produces measurable improvements in blood pressure. For example, losing 5–10 kg if you weigh 100 kg can make a significant difference. Benefits typically appear within weeks of starting weight loss, and the more weight you lose, the greater the improvement. Your GP can advise on a realistic target for your individual health.
Can prescription weight loss medication help lower blood pressure?
Yes. Mounjaro and Wegovy are UK-licensed weight loss injections that may help eligible adults lose significant weight when combined with lifestyle changes. The weight loss achieved can translate into measurable improvements in blood pressure. However, these medications are prescription-only and require clinical assessment and specialist supervision.
What is considered high blood pressure, and when should I see my GP?
According to NHS guidelines, high blood pressure (hypertension) is 140/90 mmHg or higher. If your home readings are consistently above 135/85 mmHg, or if a GP surgery reading is 140/90 mmHg or higher, you should discuss this with your GP. They can check if weight loss, lifestyle changes, or medication is appropriate for you.
Are there other ways besides weight loss to lower blood pressure?
Yes. Exercise, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and eating a Mediterranean-style diet all help lower blood pressure. If you're overweight, weight management is often the most impactful step. Many people benefit from combining several approaches. Your GP or practice nurse can create a personalised plan for you.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Contact your GP and explain that you're interested in weight management support. If your BMI and health conditions suggest you might benefit, they can refer you to a tier 3 specialist weight management service in your area. Waiting times vary by region. Alternatively, private prescribing is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers.
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.