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
Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Hypnotherapy is sometimes promoted as a weight management tool in the UK, but scientific evidence for its effectiveness remains limited. While some people report modest benefits, most weight loss research shows that sustainable results come from dietary changes, increased physical activity, and sometimes prescription medication. This guide explains how hypnotherapy is used for weight loss, what the evidence actually shows, and the most effective approaches recommended by the NHS for lasting weight management.
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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.
How Hypnotherapy Is Used for Weight Loss
Hypnotherapy for weight loss typically involves working with a qualified hypnotherapist to address eating behaviours and food-related thoughts through guided relaxation and suggestion. The theory is that hypnosis can help reduce cravings, increase motivation for exercise, and change unconscious eating patterns.
- Sessions usually last 50–60 minutes and cost £50–£150+ privately in the UK
- Therapists may use suggestions to reduce appetite or change food preferences
- Some programmes combine hypnotherapy with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or nutritional advice
- No NHS regulation exists for hypnotherapists — quality and training vary widely
- It is not a medical treatment and should never replace evidence-based approaches
However, most clinical trials show hypnotherapy alone produces modest weight loss similar to placebo, typically 2–5 kg over several months. Any benefit is usually temporary unless combined with lasting lifestyle changes.
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 Weight Loss That Works
The NHS weight management UK pathway emphasises approaches with strong scientific support. For sustainable weight loss, the evidence is clear: calorie deficit through diet and exercise is essential. Losing 0.5–1 kg per week is considered healthy and sustainable.
- Dietary changes — reducing calorie intake by 500 kcal daily creates a 0.5 kg/week loss
- Physical activity — 150 minutes moderate exercise weekly supports long-term results
- Prescription weight loss medication — GLP-1 injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro, used alongside lifestyle changes, can help when BMI qualifies
- Behavioural therapy — addressing emotional eating and food habits through CBT is evidence-backed
If you're struggling with weight loss, our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore what prescription options might achieve, and our BMI calculator shows your starting point and healthy target range.
- 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.
Does hypnotherapy actually help with weight loss?
Clinical evidence is weak. Most studies show hypnotherapy produces similar weight loss to placebo — typically 2–5 kg. Any benefit is usually temporary unless combined with sustained dietary and exercise changes. The NHS does not recommend hypnotherapy as a primary weight loss tool.
What does the NHS recommend for weight loss instead?
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit through diet and exercise, behaviour change support, and specialist services for eligible adults. For those with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27+ with weight-related conditions), prescription weight loss medication may be available through specialist NHS tier 3 services, though waiting lists vary by region.
How much does hypnotherapy cost privately in the UK?
Private hypnotherapists charge £50–£150+ per session in the UK. There is no NHS regulation of hypnotherapists, so training and qualifications vary significantly. Always check a therapist's credentials before booking. Multiple sessions are typically needed, making it a significant expense.
Is hypnotherapy regulated in the UK?
Hypnotherapy is not a regulated healthcare profession in the UK. Unlike doctors or nurses, hypnotherapists do not have mandatory registration or standardised qualifications. Check whether a therapist is accredited by a professional body like the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council).
What's the most effective approach to weight loss?
Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit — typically achieved through dietary changes and increased physical activity. For eligible adults, prescription weight loss medication (GLP-1 injections) combined with lifestyle changes offers better results than any single approach alone. Your GP can assess which options suit your individual health.
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.