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 Bike Riding Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, bike riding is genuinely beneficial for weight loss — but only when combined with a calorie deficit and healthy eating habits. Cycling burns calories, builds lean muscle, and improves cardiovascular health, making it an excellent form of physical activity for sustainable weight management in the UK. However, exercise alone isn't enough for significant weight loss. Most evidence shows that combining regular cycling with dietary changes produces the best results. For adults struggling to lose weight, prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available alongside lifestyle changes to provide additional 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.
How Much Weight Can You Lose By Cycling?
The amount of weight you lose through cycling depends on frequency, intensity, duration, and your starting weight. A person weighing 85kg cycling at moderate intensity for 30 minutes burns approximately 250–350 kcal. To lose weight sustainably, the NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, resulting in roughly 0.5kg weight loss weekly.
However, cycling alone rarely creates this deficit. Most people need to combine regular cycling with dietary changes to achieve meaningful results. Three to five cycling sessions per week, lasting 30–60 minutes each, combined with a balanced reduced-calorie diet, typically produces sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1kg per week.
Use our free BMI calculator to check your current weight status, and our weight converter to track progress in stone and pounds — units that feel more familiar to UK adults.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For adults who find lifestyle changes alone insufficient, prescription weight loss medication is now available in the UK. Two main options are licensed:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works as a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, helping reduce appetite and support weight management
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection that helps people feel fuller for longer
Both are available through NHS weight management services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. Clinical trials show these medications, used alongside diet and exercise like cycling, help adults lose an average of 15–21% of body weight. Individual results vary significantly, and prescription is only appropriate for those meeting NHS eligibility criteria.
- 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 you lose weight cycling without dieting?
Cycling burns calories and improves fitness, but significant weight loss requires a calorie deficit. Exercise alone rarely creates enough deficit — most people need to combine cycling with dietary changes. The NHS recommends a 500 kcal daily deficit for sustainable 0.5kg weekly loss, which requires both activity and reduced food intake.
How often should I cycle to lose weight?
Aim for three to five cycling sessions per week, each lasting 30–60 minutes at moderate intensity. Consistency matters more than intensity. However, you'll see better results faster if you combine regular cycling with a balanced reduced-calorie diet. Track progress using our weight converter to see changes in stone and pounds.
Is cycling better than other exercises for weight loss?
Cycling is excellent for sustainable weight loss because it's low-impact, enjoyable, and burns significant calories. However, the best exercise is the one you'll do consistently. Weight loss depends primarily on calorie deficit, not the specific exercise type. Cycling combined with strength training and good nutrition produces optimal results.
What if diet and exercise aren't working?
If you've been consistent with diet and exercise for several months without progress, speak to your GP about weight management options. GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available in the UK for eligible adults. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes if you qualify for prescription treatment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
In the UK, you may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or heart disease history). Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator, then discuss options with your GP. They can assess your individual circumstances and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
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.