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 the Cross Trainer Good for Weight Loss?
Cross trainers are an effective form of cardiovascular exercise that can support weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and calorie deficit. They burn approximately 250–400 calories per 30 minutes, depending on intensity and body weight. However, sustainable weight loss requires multiple approaches — exercise alone is rarely enough. In the UK, prescription weight management options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now available for eligible adults alongside lifestyle changes, offering additional support beyond exercise and diet.
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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.
Exercise and Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Cross trainers are one of the most popular cardio machines for weight loss because they provide a low-impact, full-body workout that burns significant calories without stressing joints. A 2023 study found that consistent aerobic exercise (including elliptical training) combined with dietary changes produces better long-term results than exercise or diet alone.
However, the NHS emphasises that sustainable weight loss requires both calorie deficit and regular physical activity. Exercise alone typically produces modest results — most people need to reduce daily calorie intake by around 500 kcal to lose approximately 0.5 kg per week. Cross trainers are excellent for cardiovascular health, fitness, and supporting a calorie deficit, but they work best as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.
- Cross trainers burn 250–400 calories per 30 minutes (varies by intensity and body weight)
- Low-impact exercise is easier to sustain long-term than high-impact alternatives
- Regular cardio improves heart health, blood sugar control, and metabolic fitness
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
For adults struggling with weight management through exercise and diet alone, prescription weight loss medications are now available in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonist injections licensed for weight management, often prescribed alongside lifestyle changes including exercise.
Eligibility depends on BMI and individual health factors. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, may qualify. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and discuss with your GP whether prescription treatment might be appropriate for your situation. NHS specialist services or private online prescribers can assess eligibility following a clinical consultation.
- 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 a cross trainer burn?
A cross trainer typically burns 250–400 calories in 30 minutes, depending on your body weight, age, intensity level, and fitness. Heavier individuals burn more calories. Higher resistance and faster pace increase calorie expenditure. Use a fitness tracker for accurate personal measurements.
Is cross training better for weight loss than other cardio?
Cross trainers are effective and low-impact, making them excellent for long-term consistency. However, weight loss effectiveness depends more on maintaining a calorie deficit than the specific cardio chosen. Running, cycling, and swimming burn similar calories. The best exercise is one you'll do regularly.
Can exercise alone lead to significant weight loss?
Exercise supports weight loss but rarely succeeds alone. The NHS emphasises that sustainable weight loss requires both regular physical activity and reduced calorie intake — typically a deficit of 500 kcal daily for 0.5 kg weekly loss. Combining exercise with dietary changes produces the best results.
What are my options if exercise and diet haven't worked?
If you've struggled with weight loss through lifestyle changes alone, prescription options may help. Mounjaro and Wegovy are available in the UK through NHS specialist services or private prescribing for eligible adults. Both are used alongside, not instead of, exercise and diet. Speak to your GP about whether you might qualify.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Eligibility depends on your BMI and health factors. Generally, adults with a BMI of 30 or above qualify, or 25–29 with weight-related conditions. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator, then discuss with your GP or a licensed prescriber. They'll assess whether medication is suitable for you personally.
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.