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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Exercise Bike Weight Loss and UK Weight Management Options
An exercise bike is an excellent low-impact way to burn calories and support sustainable weight loss. However, for some people in the UK, prescription weight management medications may also be appropriate alongside exercise and lifestyle changes. This guide explains how exercise bikes contribute to weight loss in the context of overall weight management in the UK, including prescription options available through the NHS and private prescribing.
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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
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK. Three medications are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Evidence indicates approximately 15% average weight loss at the highest dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection. Approved for long-term weight management.
All three are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Results vary significantly between individuals. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential weight loss projections with these medications.
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 — Finding Your Path
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is via specialist tier 3 weight management services — you'll need a GP referral, though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access is through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical assessment, without NHS referral required.
Whichever route you choose, weight loss medication is most effective when combined with exercise, dietary changes, and behaviour support — much like using an exercise bike as part of a wider routine. Speak to your GP about whether prescription weight management might be appropriate for you, or explore your eligibility through a private clinical assessment.
- 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 I use an exercise bike while taking Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes. In fact, combining regular exercise — including exercise bike workouts — with prescription weight loss medication typically produces better results than medication alone. Always start gently and increase intensity gradually. If you experience dizziness, nausea, or chest discomfort, stop and speak to your GP. These medications work best alongside lifestyle changes including physical activity.
How many calories does an exercise bike burn?
This depends on intensity, duration, and body weight. A moderate 30-minute session typically burns 200–400 calories. Higher intensity work burns more. The exact amount varies per person. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week, which requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal daily from diet and exercise combined.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1) and showed average weight loss of 15–21% in clinical trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 only and showed approximately 15% average weight loss. Both are once-weekly injections. Individual results vary significantly. A prescriber will assess which is more suitable for you based on your health profile and medical history.
Do I need to exercise if I take prescription weight loss medication?
Prescription weight loss medications are most effective when combined with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Exercise — whether on an exercise bike or another form — provides additional health benefits including improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, better mental health, and sustainable long-term weight management. Medication is a tool to support these changes, not a replacement for them.
How do I check my BMI and eligibility for weight loss medication in the UK?
You can calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page — it takes seconds and shows you where you fall on the NHS BMI scale. If your BMI is 27 or above with health conditions, or 30 or above regardless, speak to your GP about weight management options. Your GP can refer you to NHS services or advise on private options available in your area.
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.