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 Soup Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, soup can be a helpful food for weight management when prepared thoughtfully. Broth-based soups with vegetables are low in calories, high in fibre, and help you feel fuller for longer — all key factors in creating the calorie deficit needed for weight loss. However, the type of soup matters significantly. Creamy soups and those high in salt or added sugars may work against your weight loss goals. This guide explains which soups support weight management and how to use them effectively as part of your NHS weight loss strategy.
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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.
Why Soup Works for Weight Management
Soup is effective for weight management uk for several evidence-based reasons:
- Low calorie density: Broth-based soups contain high water content, meaning you get a large, satisfying portion for fewer calories than solid foods
- Increased satiety: The liquid and fibre combination signals fullness to your brain more effectively than equivalent calories in solid form
- Slower eating: Soup requires you to eat more slowly, giving your brain time to register satisfaction signals — typically taking 20 minutes
- Reduced overall intake: Starting a meal with soup can reduce total calorie consumption by up to 20%, according to nutrition research
Vegetable-based soups particularly support bmi weight loss goals because they're nutrient-dense but calorie-light. A typical vegetable soup contains 80–150 kcal per 300ml serving, making it easy to fit into a calorie deficit without feeling deprived.
Weight 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.
Best Soups for Weight Loss and Which to Avoid
Best choices: Clear broths, minestrone, lentil soup, vegetable soup, tomato-based soups, and chicken and vegetable soups are all excellent for weight loss. These typically contain 100–200 kcal per serving and provide protein and fibre.
Avoid: Cream-based soups (bisques, chowders), cheese soups, and coconut-based soups can contain 300–500+ kcal per serving. Canned soups often have high sodium levels, which can increase water retention. Making soup at home gives you complete control over ingredients and portion sizes — use our free progress tracker to monitor your overall calorie intake alongside soup servings.
- 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 soup should I eat to lose weight?
For weight loss, a 300ml serving of vegetable or broth-based soup is ideal — roughly 100–200 calories. This can be eaten as a meal starter, light lunch, or part of a balanced dinner. Combine with protein (grilled chicken, fish, or legumes) and wholegrain carbohydrates for complete nutrition. Aim to include soup 3–4 times per week as part of your overall weight management strategy.
Can I lose weight eating only soup?
No. A soup-only diet lacks adequate protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients needed for long-term health and sustainable weight loss. The NHS recommends a balanced approach including all food groups. Soup works best as part of a varied diet with whole grains, lean protein, fruit, and vegetables. Weight loss of 0.5–1kg per week is considered safe and sustainable.
What about canned or packet soup for weight loss?
Canned and packet soups often contain high sodium (salt), which can cause water retention and mask true fat loss. Many also contain added sugars and preservatives. Homemade soup is always preferable — you control salt, fat, and sugar levels. If using shop-bought soup, check the nutrition label and choose options under 150 kcal per 300ml serving with less than 1g salt per serving.
Does soup work better for weight loss than other foods?
Soup is effective but not uniquely superior — what matters is overall calorie intake and balanced nutrition. Soup's advantage is that it helps with satiety and portion control, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit. For personalised weight loss guidance, calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your starting point, then discuss weight management options with your GP.
Can prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy be used alongside soup-based diets?
Yes. GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro and Wegovy) work best alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. Soup can be part of a balanced, reduced-calorie diet alongside these medications. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes alongside lifestyle changes including dietary choices. ```
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.