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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Is Banana Good For Weight Loss?
Bananas can be part of a healthy weight loss plan, but they're not a weight loss food in themselves. A medium banana contains around 105 calories and 27 grams of carbohydrate, making it moderately calorie-dense. What matters most for weight loss is your overall calorie intake and whether bananas fit within your daily allowance. The NHS recommends focusing on a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Whether you're managing weight through diet changes or considering prescription weight loss medication, understanding how different foods fit into your plan is essential.
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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.
Banana Nutrition and Weight Loss Context
A medium banana (around 120g) contains approximately 105 calories, 27g carbohydrate, 1g protein, and minimal fat. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, making them nutritionally valuable. The key to weight loss is maintaining a calorie deficit — losing weight typically requires around 500 calories less per day than you burn, resulting in roughly 0.5kg loss per week according to NHS guidance.
Bananas can support weight loss when included in a calorie-controlled diet because they're naturally filling and provide sustained energy from their fibre content. However, they're not a "weight loss food" — portion control matters. If you're tracking calories for weight loss or managing your weight through prescription medication like those used in GLP-1 weight loss programmes, bananas can fit perfectly into your daily intake as long as you account for the calories. Some people find bananas helpful because they reduce cravings for sugary snacks.
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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.
Practical Guidance for Including Bananas in Weight Loss
For sustainable weight management, focus on total calorie intake rather than avoiding specific foods. A banana with breakfast or as a post-exercise snack can support your weight loss goals if it's part of your overall plan. If you're considering prescription weight loss medication through NHS specialist services or private prescribing, your healthcare provider can advise whether bananas fit your personalised plan.
Track your weight progress using simple tools — our free BMI calculator helps you understand your current position, and our free weight converter makes it easy to monitor changes in kg, stone, or pounds. Combine dietary choices like including bananas with adequate physical activity. Remember that weight management in the UK is increasingly supported by evidence-based approaches including medication options, lifestyle changes, and professional support.
- 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 many calories are in a banana?
A medium banana (around 120g) contains approximately 105 calories. A small banana has about 90 calories, and a large banana around 120 calories. Always account for these calories in your daily intake if you're tracking for weight loss.
Is the sugar in bananas bad for weight loss?
Bananas contain natural sugars (around 14g per medium banana), but they also contain 3g of fibre, which slows sugar absorption. Natural fruit sugar is different from added sugar. Bananas won't prevent weight loss if included within your daily calorie allowance.
When is the best time to eat a banana for weight loss?
There's no "best time" — timing matters less than total daily intake. Many people find bananas helpful as a pre- or post-workout snack because they provide quick energy and potassium. What matters is whether it fits within your calorie goals for the day.
Can I eat bananas on a low-carb diet?
Bananas are moderate in carbohydrates (27g per medium banana), so they're generally not suitable for very low-carb diets like strict keto. However, in standard weight loss diets, one banana per day is usually fine. Your GP or a dietitian can advise based on your individual plan.
Do bananas help with weight loss or weight gain?
Bananas themselves don't cause weight gain or loss — your overall calorie balance does. A banana is a whole food with fibre and nutrients, making it a better choice than high-sugar snacks. Include them as part of a balanced weight management approach supported by the NHS guidelines.
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.