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
Gym Workout Plan For Weight Loss — And When Medication Can Help
A structured gym workout plan is an effective way to lose weight, but exercise alone often works better when combined with other lifestyle changes — and sometimes prescription medication. In the UK, several evidence-based approaches are available to support sustainable weight loss. This guide covers how to build an effective gym routine, and introduces UK-licensed prescription weight loss options for adults who may be eligible. Whether you're starting your fitness journey or looking to add medication support, understanding all your options helps you make informed decisions 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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options — Mounjaro, Wegovy, And Saxenda
For eligible UK adults, three prescription weight loss medications are currently licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a once-weekly dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection that can support appetite regulation; Wegovy (semaglutide), a once-weekly GLP-1 injection; and Saxenda (liraglutide), a daily GLP-1 injection. These medications may help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after meals, working alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — including your gym routine. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight, while Wegovy supported approximately 15% average weight loss, though individual results vary significantly. Eligibility typically requires 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 depends on NHS tier 3 specialist services (waiting lists vary by region) or private prescribing through a UK-licensed prescriber following clinical assessment.
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.
Getting Started — NHS Vs Private Access And Your GP Conversation
If you're interested in exploring prescription weight loss medication alongside your gym workout plan, your first step is to speak with your GP. They can discuss whether you may be eligible, assess your individual health context, and either refer you to NHS specialist weight management services or discuss private options. NHS referral pathways to tier 3 services vary significantly by region — some have waiting lists of several months. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers, typically with faster appointment availability but at private cost. Either route requires a clinical assessment; you'll need to be honest about your weight, health history, and fitness goals. Remember: prescription medication is designed to work alongside your gym routine and dietary changes, not replace them. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses, and track your progress with our progress tracker as you combine exercise and medical support.
- 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 a gym workout plan without prescription medication for weight loss?
Absolutely. Exercise combined with a reduced-calorie diet can be very effective for weight loss. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg weight loss per week through diet and activity changes. A structured gym plan with both cardiovascular and strength training, plus dietary adjustments, works well for many people. Prescription medication is an option for those who are eligible and for whom lifestyle changes alone haven't achieved adequate results.
What type of gym workout is best for weight loss?
Research supports a combination of cardiovascular exercise (running, cycling, swimming) and resistance training (weights, bodyweight exercises). Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio weekly, plus 2–3 sessions of strength training. Resistance training preserves muscle mass during weight loss, which is important for maintaining your metabolic rate. Start at a level that suits your current fitness and progress gradually.
How long does it take to see weight loss results from gym workouts?
Most people notice changes within 4–6 weeks of consistent exercise and dietary changes — though weight changes may appear before visible body composition changes. Sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week is the NHS-recommended target. If combined with prescription medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy, weight loss typically becomes more noticeable within 4–8 weeks, though individual timelines vary.
Will prescription weight loss medication work without exercise?
Prescription weight loss injections are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes including exercise and a reduced-calorie diet — not as a replacement. Clinical trials showed the best results when medication was combined with structured diet and activity changes. Your GP or prescriber will emphasise this as part of the treatment plan.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, you may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, etc.). Eligibility is assessed individually by your GP or a licensed prescriber. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then speak with your GP about your options.
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.