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 Tai Chi Good for Weight Loss?
Tai chi can support weight loss as part of a holistic approach, but it burns relatively few calories compared to higher-intensity exercise. Most evidence suggests tai chi works best combined with dietary changes and other physical activity. If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, there are several evidence-based options available—from lifestyle changes to prescription weight loss medication. This guide explains tai chi's role in weight management and introduces UK-licensed prescription alternatives for eligible adults.
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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.
Tai Chi, Calorie Burn, and Weight Loss Evidence
Tai chi is a low-impact martial art that offers genuine health benefits, including improved balance, flexibility, and mental wellbeing. However, calorie burn is modest compared to other exercises. A 70kg person doing tai chi for 30 minutes burns approximately 100–150 calories, depending on intensity and pace.
For context, brisk walking burns 150–200 calories in the same time, and running burns 300+ calories. Research shows tai chi can contribute to modest weight loss—typically 1–2kg over several months—when combined with dietary changes. The main benefits are improved mobility and reduced stress, which can support healthier eating habits indirectly.
- Low-intensity calorie burn (~100–150 kcal per 30 mins)
- Improves balance and flexibility
- Reduces stress, which may support weight management
- Sustainable long-term activity for older adults
- Works best combined with dietary changes and other exercise
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
If tai chi alone isn't delivering the weight loss results you need, prescription weight loss medication is available in the UK for eligible adults. Three GLP-1 medications are licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Clinical trials show these medications help patients lose an average of 15–21% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. You can access these through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing following an online clinical assessment. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results, and use the BMI calculator on this page to check your starting point.
- 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 tai chi burn compared to other exercise?
Tai chi burns approximately 100–150 calories per 30 minutes for a 70kg person, making it low-impact but lower-intensity than brisk walking (150–200 kcal) or running (300+ kcal). It's excellent for flexibility and stress relief but shouldn't be your only form of exercise for weight loss.
Can tai chi alone lead to significant weight loss?
No. Tai chi alone typically results in modest weight loss (1–2kg over several months) because calorie burn is limited. It works best as part of a broader weight management approach that includes dietary changes, other physical activities, and adequate sleep.
What's the difference between tai chi and other forms of exercise for weight management?
Tai chi is low-impact and sustainable long-term, making it ideal for older adults or those with joint issues. However, higher-intensity activities like walking, cycling, or resistance training burn more calories and produce faster weight loss results when combined with a calorie deficit.
Are there prescription weight loss options available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are available through NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services for eligible adults. Availability varies by region, and referral from your GP is typically required. Private prescribing is also available following an online clinical assessment.
How do prescription weight loss medications compare to exercise alone?
Clinical trials show prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy produce average weight loss of 15–21% when combined with diet and exercise. These results are typically faster and larger than exercise alone, particularly for eligible adults with BMI 30 or above or comorbidities. Individual results vary significantly.
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.