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 Skipping Rope Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, skipping rope is genuinely effective for weight loss. It's a high-intensity cardio exercise that burns significant calories in a short time — typically 200–300 calories in just 15 minutes depending on your weight and intensity. However, exercise alone produces modest weight loss without dietary changes. For many adults in the UK with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight management options like Mounjaro or Wegovy may provide additional support alongside lifestyle changes.
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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 Management Options
While skipping rope and other exercise are valuable for health and can support weight loss, prescription medications may help eligible adults achieve better results. The UK has three licensed options:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight at maximum doses, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist with similar evidence of around 15% average weight loss in trials.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, approved for UK adults with BMI 30 or above.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. They work best when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not instead of lifestyle changes. Skipping rope, running, and cycling remain valuable parts of any weight management plan.
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 in the UK
NHS route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Regional availability varies significantly — some areas have waiting lists of several months. Not all regions fund all medications equally.
Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription from a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral, typically costs £129–£320 monthly depending on dose. Faster access than NHS services in most cases.
Your GP can assess whether you're eligible and discuss which route suits you. Using our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator, you can estimate potential results at different doses — this information is useful to discuss with a prescriber.
- 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 does skipping rope burn?
Skipping rope burns approximately 200–300 calories in 15 minutes for an average adult, depending on body weight, intensity, and technique. This makes it one of the most calorie-efficient exercises. However, sustained weight loss requires a calorie deficit of about 500 kcal daily — around 0.5–1 kg per week loss — which typically needs both exercise and dietary changes.
Is skipping rope alone enough for weight loss?
Skipping rope alone produces modest weight loss without dietary changes. Most experts recommend combining regular exercise with a reduced-calorie diet for sustainable results. For eligible adults, prescription weight management medication alongside diet and exercise may provide additional support to achieve better outcomes.
How often should I skip rope for weight loss?
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio weekly — that's about 30 minutes five times per week. Skipping rope at moderate intensity (where you can speak but not sing) is excellent for this. Start gradually if you're new to the activity, as it's high-impact and requires good technique to avoid injury.
Can I use skipping rope with weight loss medication?
Yes, absolutely. Prescription weight management medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work best when combined with regular exercise and dietary changes — not instead of them. Skipping rope is a safe, efficient exercise to combine with weight management medication. Always discuss your exercise plan with your prescriber if you have any health concerns.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease), may be eligible. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults face higher health risks at lower BMI levels, so eligibility may start at BMI 27.5. Speak to your GP for personalised advice. ```
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.