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
Ice Bath Benefits for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Ice baths have become popular for potential health benefits, but their role in weight loss is limited. While cold exposure may temporarily increase calorie burn and activate brown fat, ice baths alone won't create the sustained weight loss most people need. If you're looking for evidence-based weight management, the UK offers prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy alongside lifestyle changes. This guide explores what ice baths can and cannot do, and introduces clinically proven alternatives for eligible adults seeking serious weight loss support.
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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-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults struggling with weight management, several prescription medications are available through the NHS and privately in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that acts on two hormone pathways, helping regulate appetite and support feeling fuller. In clinical trials, it helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes. Wegovy (semaglutide) is another once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with clinical trial data showing approximately 15% average weight loss. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option also licensed for weight management 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 such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI, and try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected results at different doses. These prescription options work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — they are not replacements for 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.
NHS vs Private Routes — How to Access Weight Loss Support
NHS access: Referral through your GP to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region (ICB area). Some areas have long waiting lists, while others may have limited services.
Private access: Available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers. A GPhC-registered pharmacy will dispense medication following a clinical assessment. No NHS referral needed, but costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose.
Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals. They can assess your eligibility, discuss all available options including lifestyle support, and either refer you to NHS services or advise on private routes. Track your progress with our free progress tracker once you begin any weight loss journey.
- 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.
Do ice baths help with weight loss?
Ice baths may temporarily increase calorie burn and activate brown fat tissue, but the effect is modest and short-lived. They cannot create the sustained calorie deficit needed for meaningful weight loss. Ice baths work best as a recovery tool for exercise, not as a primary weight loss method. For serious weight management, lifestyle changes and evidence-based medications offer far better results.
What is the most effective weight loss medication available in the UK?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are both NHS-licensed and clinically proven. Mounjaro showed 15–21% average weight loss in trials, whilst Wegovy showed approximately 15%. Effectiveness varies between individuals. Your GP or prescriber can assess which option is most suitable based on your health profile and eligibility.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Lower thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Check your BMI with our free calculator and discuss eligibility with your GP.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS?
Yes. Mounjaro and Wegovy are available through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3). Access is through GP referral and availability varies by region. Some areas have waiting lists. Private access through GPhC-registered pharmacies is also available without NHS referral.
Should I combine ice baths with prescription weight loss medication?
Ice baths and medications work through different mechanisms. Prescription medications like Mounjaro work by regulating appetite hormones, whilst ice baths have minimal metabolic impact. Combining them won't improve results — focus on the medication, reduced-calorie diet, and regular physical activity, which are proven to work together effectively.
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.