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 Stairmaster Good for Weight Loss?
A Stairmaster is an effective cardiovascular exercise that can support weight loss when combined with a calorie-controlled diet. However, for many UK adults struggling with weight management, exercise alone may not be sufficient. For those with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes offers an evidence-based approach. This guide explores how Stairmasters fit into your overall weight management strategy, alongside NHS-approved prescription options available in the UK.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medication Available in the UK
For eligible UK adults, three prescription medications are licensed for weight management alongside diet and exercise:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist injection. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection with average weight loss around 15% in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, an alternative option for eligible adults.
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed. They work by helping regulate appetite and reduce food cravings, supporting you to stick to a calorie deficit — the essential foundation of any weight loss programme. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with prescription medication at different doses.
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 Access vs Private Prescription Weight Loss in the UK
Access to prescription weight loss medication in the UK is available through two routes:
- NHS route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Availability varies significantly by region, and waiting lists can be lengthy.
- Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral.
Whether you choose to improve weight management through cardio exercise like Stairmaster use, prescription medication, or a combination of both, your GP can assess what approach suits your individual health needs. Use our free BMI calculator to determine your current weight category and eligibility thresholds.
- 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.
How much weight can I lose using a Stairmaster?
Weight loss depends on intensity, frequency, and diet. A Stairmaster session burns 500–800 calories for most adults. However, sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which typically results in 0.5 kg loss per week. Exercise alone without dietary changes is less effective than combined approaches.
Is a Stairmaster better for weight loss than other cardio equipment?
Stairmasters are effective because they engage large muscle groups and burn significant calories. However, the "best" cardio for weight loss is the one you'll do consistently. Treadmills, rowing machines, and cycling are equally effective. Prescription weight management medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy can complement any exercise routine.
Can I lose weight with a Stairmaster and no diet changes?
Generally no. Exercise without calorie reduction rarely leads to significant weight loss. The NHS recommends combining increased physical activity with dietary changes for sustainable results. For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes offers better evidence-based outcomes.
How long should I use a Stairmaster for weight loss?
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio weekly (NHS guidance). This could be 30 minutes on a Stairmaster five times per week. Combined with a calorie deficit of 500 kcal daily through diet and exercise, you'd target approximately 0.5–1 kg weight loss per week safely.
Can I use a Stairmaster if I'm taking Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes, exercise remains important alongside prescription weight loss medication. GLP-1 medications support appetite regulation, helping you maintain a calorie deficit more easily. Regular activity like Stairmaster use enhances cardiovascular health outcomes. Discuss your exercise routine with your prescriber or GP to ensure it's appropriate for 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.