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
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Does Yoga Aid Weight Loss in the UK?
Yoga can be a valuable part of a weight management programme, but it's typically most effective when combined with other approaches. While yoga burns calories and builds lean muscle, sustainable weight loss usually requires a calorie deficit and dietary changes alongside exercise. In the UK, adults struggling with weight loss may have access to prescription weight management options alongside lifestyle modifications. This guide explores how yoga fits into your overall weight loss strategy and what other support is available through the NHS.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Management Options
If you're finding that yoga and lifestyle changes alone aren't delivering the results you need, prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK for eligible adults. These include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, available through NHS specialist services or private prescription
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection licensed for weight management in UK adults
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option
Clinical trials show these medications may help adults lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight when used alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity like yoga. Individual results vary significantly. You can use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check where you currently sit on the NHS weight categories.
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.
Who Is Eligible and How to Access Weight Loss Support
In the UK, prescription weight management medications may be available if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Access varies by region. NHS weight loss support begins through your GP, who can refer you to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service — though waiting times can be lengthy in many areas.
Private prescription routes are also available without an NHS referral, following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Whether you choose yoga alone, combine it with prescription medication, or explore other nhs weight loss pathways, the key is finding an approach that fits your lifestyle and health needs. A conversation with your GP is the best first step to understand your 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.
Can yoga alone help me lose weight?
Yes, yoga can contribute to weight loss by burning calories and building muscle tone. However, sustainable weight loss typically requires a calorie deficit through diet alongside exercise. Combining yoga with balanced nutrition and potentially other strategies is more effective than yoga alone.
How many calories does yoga burn?
It depends on the type and intensity. Vinyasa or power yoga burns approximately 180–300 calories per hour. Gentler forms like Hatha or Yin yoga burn fewer calories but still offer benefits. For significant calorie burn, combine yoga with higher-intensity cardio.
What prescription weight loss options are available on the NHS in the UK?
Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are all licensed in the UK for weight management. Access is through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services following a GP referral, or privately through registered online prescribers. Eligibility is based on BMI and health factors.
How do prescription weight loss medications work alongside exercise like yoga?
Weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy support appetite regulation and help create a calorie deficit. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes including physical activity (like yoga), balanced nutrition, and behaviour modification.
What's my first step if I want to explore weight loss support?
Start by speaking with your GP about your weight and health goals. They can discuss whether prescription medication is suitable for you, refer you to specialist services, or recommend other weight management programmes. Use our free BMI calculator to understand your current health category before your appointment.
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.