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 Skip Rope Good For Weight Loss?
Skip rope is an effective cardiovascular exercise that can support weight loss when combined with a calorie-controlled diet. However, for adults in the UK struggling with overweight or obesity, prescription weight management options are also available. This guide explores how skip rope fits into a weight loss plan and what prescription medications may be eligible for you through the NHS or private prescribing.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, prescription medications are available for eligible adults. Three GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection, up to 15 mg dose. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, once-weekly injection, maximum 2.4 mg dose. Evidence suggests approximately 15% average body weight loss in clinical trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — GLP-1 agonist, daily injection, up to 3 mg dose. Established option with consistent clinical evidence.
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or between 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with medication support.
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 Access to Weight Loss Medication
In the UK, prescription weight management medication is available through two routes. NHS access requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP — availability varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribers following a clinical assessment, without NHS referral. Costs typically range from £129–£320 monthly depending on dose.
Both routes require a prescriber to confirm you are clinically suitable. Exercise like skip rope is valuable alongside any medication — prescription treatment works best combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Speak to your GP about which option suits your circumstances, or explore private prescribing if NHS waiting times are a concern.
- 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.
Is skip rope as effective as weight loss medication?
Skip rope is excellent cardiovascular exercise and burns significant calories, but results depend on frequency, intensity, and diet. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work through appetite regulation and may be more effective for some people, particularly those with higher BMI. Best results combine both exercise and, if eligible, medical support.
How many calories does skip rope burn?
Skip rope typically burns 200–300 calories per 30 minutes of moderate intensity, depending on your weight and fitness level. At a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal daily from diet and exercise combined, you can expect weight loss of around 0.5 kg per week — the NHS-recommended safe rate.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, may be eligible. Your GP or a licensed prescriber will assess whether medication is appropriate for your individual situation following a clinical evaluation.
Can I use skip rope while taking Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes. In fact, combining exercise with prescription weight loss medication is recommended. Medication works by reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller, while exercise burns calories and builds fitness. Together they provide the best outcomes for sustainable weight loss.
How do I access weight loss medication through the NHS in the UK?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. They will assess your eligibility and may prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda if clinically suitable. Availability varies by region — some areas have longer waiting lists than others.
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.