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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Is an Exercise Bike Good for Weight Loss?
An exercise bike can be a useful tool for weight loss when combined with a calorie-controlled diet, but it works best as part of a broader approach to weight management in the UK. Regular cycling burns calories and builds cardiovascular fitness, but sustainable weight loss typically requires dietary changes alongside physical activity. For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medications may be available through the NHS or private prescribing. This guide explores how exercise bikes fit into your overall weight management strategy, and what other options are worth discussing with your GP.
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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.
How Exercise Bikes Support Weight Loss in the UK
An exercise bike is an effective aerobic workout tool that can burn 250–600 calories per hour depending on intensity and body weight. Regular use builds cardiovascular fitness, strengthens leg muscles, and supports a calorie deficit when combined with healthy eating. However, exercise alone rarely produces significant weight loss without dietary changes—most evidence suggests a 75/25 split between diet and exercise for sustainable results.
- Low-impact option: Easier on joints than running, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels
- Consistency factor: Home-based cycling encourages regular exercise, which is key to long-term weight management uk
- Calorie burn varies: Weight, intensity, and duration all affect how many calories you burn
For many people, exercise bikes work best alongside dietary changes and behavioural support. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to see how your weight changes over time as you build an exercise routine.
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.
Weight Loss Medication Options Available in the UK
If you're struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, prescription weight loss medications are available for eligible UK adults. Three GLP-1 medications are licensed for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These medications work alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them.
- Mounjaro: Once-weekly injection, average 15–clinically studied weight loss in clinical trials
- Wegovy: Once-weekly injection, approximately clinically studied weight loss in trials
- Eligibility: BMI 30+, or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Your GP can assess whether prescription weight loss medication nhs services or private options suit your individual circumstances. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses.
- 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 many calories does an exercise bike burn?
An exercise bike typically burns 250–600 calories per hour depending on your weight, fitness level, and workout intensity. Heavier individuals and higher-intensity sessions burn more calories. Regular use creates a calorie deficit, but weight loss also depends heavily on diet—most people need both exercise and reduced calorie intake for meaningful results.
Is an exercise bike better than running for weight loss?
Both are effective for weight loss, but exercise bikes offer advantages: they're low-impact on joints, easier to do regularly at home, and safer for people with joint problems. However, running typically burns slightly more calories in the same time. The best exercise is the one you'll stick with consistently—and our progress tracker can help you log results either way.
Can I lose weight using only an exercise bike?
Exercise bikes alone rarely produce significant weight loss without dietary changes. Research suggests diet accounts for approximately clinically studied weight loss success, with exercise contributing around 25%. For sustainable weight loss uk, combine regular cycling with a calorie-controlled diet, balanced nutrition, and behaviour change support.
What weight loss medication is available on the NHS?
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS specialist weight management services for eligible adults (typically BMI 30+, or BMI 27+ with weight-related conditions). NHS access requires GP referral to tier 3 services, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Private options are also available following an online clinical assessment.
How do I check if I'm eligible for weight loss medication?
Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to see if you might qualify. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea, may be eligible. Speak to your GP about NHS options, or a licensed prescriber can assess eligibility for private prescription weight loss medication.
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.