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
Gymnastics for Weight Loss — What You Need to Know
Gymnastics is an excellent form of physical activity that can support weight management through increased calorie expenditure and muscle building. However, for many people in the UK, combining exercise with professional weight management support—including prescription medication—can be more effective. This guide covers how gymnastics fits into a weight loss plan, and what NHS and private weight management options are available if you need additional support to lose weight uk.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be eligible for prescription weight management in the UK. Three GLP-1 weight loss injections are currently licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 injection with average weight loss of 15–21% body weight in clinical trials
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, typically resulting in 5–clinically studied weight loss
All three work alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—including activities like gymnastics. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess whether prescription weight loss medication is suitable for your individual circumstances.
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 — How to Get Started
In the UK, weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS weight loss is accessed via referral to specialist tier 3 services, though waiting lists vary significantly by region. Private weight loss medication is available through online clinical assessments with UK-licensed prescribers, often faster but at a personal cost. Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals—they can assess your eligibility, discuss bmi weight loss thresholds relevant to you, and help you understand whether prescription support would be appropriate alongside lifestyle changes like gymnastics. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to see where you currently stand on NHS guidelines.
- 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 gymnastics alone help me lose weight?
Yes, gymnastics is an effective form of physical activity that burns calories and builds muscle. However, weight loss requires a calorie deficit, which means combining regular gymnastics with a balanced diet. For those with a BMI over 30, combining exercise with professional weight management support—including prescription medication if eligible—may give better results.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, etc.). Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak with your GP. They can assess whether prescription weight loss medication is appropriate for you.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed for weight management in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%). Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1-only injection with average weight loss around 15%. Your prescriber can advise which is more suitable based on your health profile.
Can I use weight loss medication while doing gymnastics?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes, including exercise. In fact, combining medication with regular physical activity (like gymnastics) and a healthy diet typically produces the best results. Always discuss your exercise routine with your prescriber.
How do I access weight loss medication through the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management (tier 3) service. They will assess your eligibility and determine whether prescription medication is appropriate. NHS access varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Alternatively, private online prescribing services offer faster access if you meet clinical criteria. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you begin any weight management plan.
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.