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
Is A Rowing Machine Good For Weight Loss?
Rowing machines are an effective cardiovascular and strength-building exercise that can support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. However, weight loss ultimately depends on creating a calorie deficit — the amount of exercise matters less than the overall energy balance. For adults struggling with weight management despite diet and exercise efforts, prescription medications and specialist weight management services are also available through the NHS and privately in the UK. This guide covers both fitness approaches and UK-licensed weight management options.
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.
Rowing For Weight Loss And UK Medication Options
Rowing is a full-body, low-impact cardiovascular exercise that burns significant calories — typically 400–600 calories per hour depending on intensity and individual factors. It builds muscle in the legs, core, and back, which can increase resting metabolic rate over time. However, exercise alone without dietary change rarely produces meaningful weight loss. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week through a combination of reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity.
For adults who have tried diet and exercise but aren't reaching their weight loss goals, prescription weight management medications are available in the UK. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) — all GLP-1 receptor agonist injections licensed for weight loss. Clinical trials show these medications can help achieve weight loss of 15–21% body weight on average when combined with lifestyle changes. To understand if medication might be suitable for you, use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator above to see potential outcomes, and calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to check your eligibility criteria.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Once-weekly injection, dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Once-weekly injection, GLP-1 mechanism, doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg
- Saxenda (liraglutide): Once-daily injection, GLP-1 mechanism, doses from 0.6 mg to 3 mg
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: How To Access Weight Loss Support In The UK
NHS access: Weight loss medications are available through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services, not standard GP prescription. Your GP can refer you if you meet eligibility criteria (BMI 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease). However, NHS waiting lists for specialist services vary significantly by region and can take many months.
Private access: Prescription weight loss medications are also available through UK-licensed private prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies following an online clinical assessment. This route offers faster access without an NHS referral. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose and provider.
To find out if you're eligible, speak to your GP about your weight management options. They can advise on both NHS referral pathways and other support available in your area. Using our free BMI calculator above, you can check your personal BMI against NHS eligibility thresholds before your appointment.
- 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.
Can rowing alone help me lose weight without changing my diet?
Rowing burns calories and builds muscle, which supports weight loss. However, exercise alone without a calorie deficit is rarely effective for meaningful weight loss. The NHS recommends combining regular physical activity with dietary changes — typically a 500 kcal per day deficit creates approximately 0.5 kg weight loss per week.
What is the difference between Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda?
All three are prescription-only weight loss injections licensed in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist given once weekly. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist given once weekly. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist given once daily. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 14–21% of body weight with each, though individual results vary significantly.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or sleep apnoea). Your GP can assess your eligibility and, if appropriate, refer you to a specialist weight management service. Access and waiting times vary by region.
How quickly can I access weight loss medication privately?
Private prescriptions can be processed within days following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. NHS access is typically slower due to referral pathways and waiting lists for specialist services, which can take months in some regions.
What happens if I stop taking weight loss medication?
Weight loss medication works alongside diet and exercise changes. If you stop taking medication without maintaining lifestyle changes, weight regain is common. Long-term success depends on sustained dietary and physical activity changes. Your prescriber can discuss realistic expectations and support strategies with 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.