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
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Ice Baths for Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Ice baths have gained popularity as a potential weight loss aid, with some research suggesting they may increase calorie burn through thermogenesis. However, the evidence for significant weight loss from cold exposure alone is limited. If you're exploring weight management options in the UK, prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer evidence-based alternatives, particularly for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with weight-related health conditions. This guide explains how ice baths compare to medically-supported weight management approaches available through the NHS and privately.
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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 Weight Loss Medications — Evidence-Based Alternatives
While ice baths may modestly increase energy expenditure, research shows the effect is small compared to dietary changes and physical activity. For more significant, sustainable weight management in the UK, prescription weight loss injections have stronger clinical evidence.
Three UK-licensed options are available:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 injection. STEP trials demonstrated approximately 15% average weight loss at the maximum 2.4 mg dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection. Evidence shows modest but consistent weight loss support.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to determine suitability. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Eligibility and How to Access Weight Loss Treatment in the UK
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds (27.5+) may apply due to higher cardiovascular risk at lower weights.
Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator above. Access in the UK comes through two routes: NHS specialist weight management services (referral required; significant waiting times in many regions) or private online prescribing (faster access, prescription fees apply). A GP or licensed prescriber will assess your individual health before prescribing any medication.
- 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 ice bath exposure burn enough calories for weight loss?
Ice baths may increase calorie burn through thermogenesis (cold-induced metabolic increase), but the effect is minimal — typically 50–100 extra calories per session. Weight loss requires a sustained calorie deficit, usually through diet and activity. Ice baths alone are unlikely to produce meaningful weight loss without other changes.
How do prescription weight loss medications compare to ice baths?
Prescription GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy have clinical trial evidence showing 15–21% average body weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Ice baths lack this level of evidence. Medications work by regulating appetite and food intake, whereas cold exposure has only minor metabolic effects.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Lower thresholds apply for certain ethnic backgrounds. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual eligibility following a consultation.
What is the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access in the UK?
NHS access requires referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service and can involve long waiting lists. Private access is faster — you can consult a UK-licensed prescriber online and receive a prescription within days if clinically appropriate. Both routes require a proper clinical assessment.
Can I combine ice baths with prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, combining ice exposure with GLP-1 medication and lifestyle changes (reduced calories, increased activity) is safe. However, the primary weight loss benefit comes from the medication and behaviour changes, not from ice exposure. Your prescriber can advise on a comprehensive approach suited to your 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.