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 Programme for Weight Loss in the UK
Exercise is a valuable part of any weight loss plan, but results improve significantly when combined with dietary changes and, where eligible, prescription weight management medication. In the UK, several options are available to support your weight loss journey — from lifestyle changes to prescription injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy. This guide explains how exercise fits into an effective weight loss strategy and what prescription options NHS and private services offer to eligible adults.
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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 Management Options
For adults struggling with excess weight, prescription medications can complement exercise and diet changes. Three main options are licensed for weight management in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that works via dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor activation. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when used with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight alongside exercise and dietary support.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, less commonly prescribed but still available through NHS and private services.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable for you. Individual results vary — medication works best alongside regular exercise and sustainable dietary changes.
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 and How to Find Out If You're Eligible
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Your GP can refer you, but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. NHS services provide comprehensive support including dietary advice, exercise guidance, and medication prescription if appropriate.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This route does not require an NHS referral and is often faster, though there is a cost (typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose).
Next steps: Speak to your GP about your weight loss goals and ask about referral to specialist services. They can discuss both NHS and private options and advise which is most appropriate for your circumstances.
- 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 lose weight through exercise alone?
Exercise supports weight loss and offers significant health benefits, but results are often modest without dietary changes. A calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day (achieved through diet, exercise, or both) typically results in 0.5 kg weight loss per week. For many people, combining exercise with medication and dietary changes produces better results.
What type of exercise is best for weight loss?
Both cardio and strength training support weight loss. Cardio (walking, running, cycling) burns calories; strength training preserves muscle during weight loss. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening exercises on two days. Consistency matters more than intensity.
How does prescription weight loss medication work with exercise?
Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit. They are most effective when used alongside regular exercise and a balanced diet. You can use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Eligibility varies by region and individual circumstances. Ask your GP for referral to specialist weight management services, where a clinician will assess you properly.
How quickly should I expect to see weight loss results?
Safe and sustainable weight loss is typically 0.5–1 kg per week. With prescription medication combined with exercise and diet, some people see faster initial results, though individual responses vary. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor changes over time.
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.