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 Himalayan Salt Help With Weight Loss?
Himalayan salt is often claimed to support weight loss, but the evidence is limited. While salt plays a role in how your body manages water and metabolism, simply using Himalayan salt won't cause weight loss on its own. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and sustainable dietary changes. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management in the UK, prescription options like GLP-1 injections are available alongside lifestyle changes. Try our free BMI calculator above to understand your current weight status, then explore realistic approaches to healthy weight management.
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.
What Does the Science Say About Salt and Weight Loss?
Himalayan salt has no proven weight loss properties on its own. Salt (sodium chloride) is essential for bodily functions like nerve signalling and muscle contraction, but excess salt intake is typically linked to water retention, not fat loss. Some marketing claims suggest Himalayan salt boosts metabolism or has unique minerals that aid weight loss — these claims lack scientific evidence.
The key factors in effective weight loss are: creating a calorie deficit (consuming fewer calories than you burn), increasing physical activity, and making sustainable dietary changes. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week for healthy, lasting results. Whether you use table salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt makes no meaningful difference to weight loss — the total amount of salt consumed matters more than the type.
If you've tried diet and exercise without success, prescription weight loss options like GLP-1 injections (Mounjaro or Wegovy) may be worth discussing with your GP. These work by reducing appetite and supporting healthier eating patterns, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
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.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Management in the UK
Sustainable weight loss depends on proven strategies: maintaining a calorie deficit, eating balanced whole foods, staying hydrated, and moving more regularly. Use our free weight converter and BMI calculator above to understand where you stand, then consider these approaches.
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, NHS weight loss prescriptions are available. GLP-1 weight loss injections are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment from your GP or a licensed prescriber. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see potential results at different doses if you think you might be eligible. Work with your GP to build a personalised plan combining lifestyle changes and, if appropriate, prescription support for weight management.
- 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.
Is Himalayan salt better for weight loss than regular salt?
No. Both Himalayan and regular table salt contain essentially the same compounds (sodium chloride). Neither type directly causes weight loss. The total amount of salt you consume matters more than the type. Excess salt can cause water retention, which may temporarily increase scale weight.
Can Himalayan salt boost metabolism?
There is no scientific evidence that Himalayan salt boosts metabolism. While salt is essential for normal metabolic function, using Himalayan salt specifically does not increase calorie burn. Weight loss comes from creating a calorie deficit through diet and activity — not from salt type.
What actually causes weight loss?
Weight loss requires a calorie deficit — consuming fewer calories than you burn through daily activity and exercise. The NHS recommends a deficit of around 500 calories per day for a loss of approximately 0.5 kg per week. This is achieved through a balanced diet, portion control, and regular physical activity.
What are evidence-based weight loss options in the UK?
Effective approaches include: a structured reduced-calorie diet, regular exercise, behavioural support through NHS programmes, and (if eligible) prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections. Your GP can assess whether you qualify for prescription options and help create a personalised weight management plan.
How can I check if I need weight loss support?
Use our free BMI calculator above to understand your current weight status. A BMI of 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese according to NHS guidelines. If you fall into these ranges or have weight-related health conditions, speak to your GP about weight management options suited to you.
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.