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 Gum Help With Weight Loss?
Chewing gum is often suggested as a weight loss aid, but the evidence is limited. While gum may provide minor appetite suppression or help satisfy the urge to chew, it is not a proven weight management tool on its own. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, lifestyle changes—reduced calorie intake, increased physical activity, and prescription medication where appropriate—are far more effective. If you're struggling with weight management, your GP can discuss evidence-based options including prescription weight loss medication and referral to NHS specialist services.
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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.
Does Chewing Gum Actually Suppress Appetite?
The idea that chewing gum reduces appetite is popular but lacks strong scientific evidence. Some small studies suggest gum may cause a minor reduction in hunger signals, particularly if it contains sweeteners that activate taste receptors. However, any appetite-suppressing effect is temporary and minimal—typically lasting only while chewing.
- Chewing gum does not burn significant calories
- It does not reduce overall food intake meaningfully
- The effect diminishes quickly once chewing stops
- Sugar-free gum is preferable if used regularly, to protect tooth enamel
For genuine weight management in the UK, evidence-based approaches like achieving a calorie deficit through diet and exercise are far more effective. If lifestyle changes alone are not working, prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate following assessment by your GP or a licensed prescriber. Use our free BMI calculator above to assess your current weight category and determine whether medical support might be helpful.
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.
Proven Weight Loss Approaches in the UK
If you are looking for effective weight loss solutions, the NHS recommends a combination of reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medications are now available in the UK.
GLP-1 receptor agonist injections such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have strong clinical trial evidence supporting weight loss. In STEP trials, Wegovy helped participants lose approximately 15% of body weight on average. These prescription medications are available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing, and should be combined with lifestyle changes for best results. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes with prescription medication, whilst our progress tracker lets you log your weight loss journey.
- 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 chewing gum help me lose weight?
Chewing gum may provide minimal, temporary appetite suppression, but it is not an effective weight loss tool on its own. Any effect is very small and short-lived. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit through diet, exercise, and in many cases, professional support or medication.
What is the best way to lose weight in the UK?
The NHS recommends a combination of reduced calorie intake (aiming for 500 kcal deficit daily), increased physical activity, and behavioural support. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro—combined with lifestyle changes—are evidence-based options available through NHS specialist services or private assessment.
Is weight loss medication available on the NHS?
Yes. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for NHS specialist weight management services. Access varies by region and typically requires referral to a tier 3 specialist service. Waiting times can be long in some areas. Private prescribing offers faster access but involves a cost.
What prescription weight loss medications are licensed in the UK?
Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) are all licensed for weight management in UK adults. Wegovy and Mounjaro are once-weekly injections. All require clinical assessment, a prescription, and are prescribed alongside diet and exercise for best results.
How much weight can I expect to lose with prescription medication?
Results vary significantly. Clinical trials show Wegovy helps participants lose approximately 15% of body weight on average, whilst Mounjaro may help lose 15–21% on average. These results are achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual outcomes depend on dose, adherence, and personal factors.
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.