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 Hypnosis Really Work for Weight Loss?
Hypnosis for weight loss is popular in the UK, but the scientific evidence is mixed. While some people report success with clinical hypnotherapy, research shows results are often modest and variable. For sustainable weight loss, the NHS recommends combining dietary changes with physical activity, sometimes supported by prescription weight loss medication. This guide explores what hypnosis can and cannot do, and compares it with evidence-based approaches to weight management in the UK.
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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.
What Does the Research Say About Hypnosis and Weight Loss?
Clinical trials on hypnotherapy for weight loss show modest results at best. A 2018 meta-analysis in Obesity Surgery found that hypnosis combined with cognitive behavioural therapy produced average weight losses of 3–6 kg over 12 months — roughly equivalent to a basic calorie-controlled diet without hypnosis.
The NHS acknowledges that hypnotherapy may help some individuals with weight management, but emphasises it works best as part of a broader lifestyle approach including regular physical activity and dietary changes. Hypnosis appears to work primarily by:
- Reducing cravings and unconscious eating habits
- Increasing motivation for lifestyle change
- Supporting stress and emotional eating management
- Building confidence in behaviour change
However, individual responses vary significantly, and hypnosis alone does not produce the weight losses seen with prescription weight loss medication or structured dietary interventions.
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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.
How Does Hypnosis for Weight Loss Compare to Evidence-Based Alternatives?
For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS weight management pathway recommends starting with self-help and lifestyle changes, progressing to behavioural support if needed, and considering prescription medication for eligible adults. GLP-1 weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, available through private prescribing and some NHS services, produce average weight losses of 15–21% of body weight — significantly more than hypnosis typically achieves.
If you're considering weight loss support, try our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand your starting point and explore what medication results might look like. Your GP can discuss which approach — hypnosis, lifestyle changes, or prescription treatment — is most suitable for your individual circumstances and health goals.
- 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 clinical hypnotherapy for weight loss available on the NHS in the UK?
Limited hypnotherapy is available on the NHS through some mental health and weight management services, but availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be long. Private clinical hypnotherapists typically charge £60–£200 per session. Always check that your practitioner is registered with a recognised body like the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
How many hypnotherapy sessions would I need for weight loss?
Most protocols involve 6–10 sessions over 2–3 months, though this varies. Research suggests results are best with ongoing support rather than one-off sessions. Sessions typically cost £80–£150 each privately, making the total investment substantial.
Can I use hypnosis alongside weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes, there's no contraindication to combining hypnotherapy with prescription weight loss treatment. However, the medication itself may make hypnosis less necessary — GLP-1 medications work directly on appetite-regulating hormones, whereas hypnosis is an indirect behavioural approach.
What's the difference between hypnosis and hypnobirthing or other alternative therapies?
Clinical hypnotherapy for weight loss uses guided relaxation and suggestion to support behaviour change, typically delivered by a qualified therapist. It differs from unqualified "hypnobirthing" apps or online recordings, which lack professional oversight and have minimal evidence for weight loss.
If hypnosis doesn't work, what's my next step for losing weight?
Try the NHS weight loss pathway: start with structured self-help and lifestyle changes (the NHS Weight Loss Plan is free), then speak to your GP about referral to tier 2 or 3 weight management services. If eligible, your GP may discuss prescription weight loss medication — use our weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes.
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.