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 Weight Training Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, weight training can be genuinely helpful for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. It builds lean muscle mass, which increases your resting metabolic rate—meaning you burn more calories throughout the day, not just during exercise. Unlike cardio alone, resistance training helps preserve muscle while you lose weight. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends combining regular physical activity with dietary changes. If you're managing your weight, our free BMI calculator can help you track where you stand, and our progress tracker lets you monitor changes over time.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
How Weight Training Supports Weight Loss
Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. When you do resistance exercises—whether with weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight—you create tiny tears in muscle fibres that repair and grow stronger. This repair process requires energy, which increases your daily calorie expenditure. Studies show that regular weight training can boost resting metabolic rate by 7–8% over several weeks.
Weight training also helps with weight management by:
- Preventing muscle loss during weight loss (important for maintaining strength and appearance)
- Improving insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings
- Supporting bone density, which naturally declines during weight loss
- Enhancing mood and energy, making it easier to stick to healthy habits
For best results in a weight loss programme, combine weight training 2–3 times weekly with cardio activity and a reduced-calorie diet. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week alongside muscle-strengthening activities on 2+ days weekly.
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.
Weight Training Alone Isn't Enough
Weight training is powerful, but weight loss fundamentally requires a calorie deficit. You must consume fewer calories than you burn. Building muscle helps increase the calories you burn, but it cannot replace dietary changes. A common misconception is that exercise alone causes weight loss—in reality, losing around 0.5–1 kg per week typically requires both increased physical activity and reduced calorie intake.
For those exploring prescription weight loss support in the UK, options like GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy) work alongside diet and exercise—not instead of them. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes with medical support. Whether using exercise alone or combining it with other approaches like weight loss medication or NHS-supported programmes, consistency and a sustainable calorie deficit are key to success.
- 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 often should I do weight training for weight loss?
The NHS recommends muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week. Aim for 2–4 sessions weekly, with rest days between. This allows muscle recovery while building strength. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular moderate weight training beats sporadic intense sessions.
Will weight training make me bulky?
No. Building visible muscle bulk requires significant calorie surplus, heavy lifting, and time. During weight loss, you're in a calorie deficit, which makes muscle gain unlikely. Weight training during weight loss typically results in a leaner, more toned appearance as body fat decreases.
Can I lose weight with weight training alone?
Weight training helps, but weight loss requires a calorie deficit, which primarily comes from diet. You can't out-exercise a poor diet. Combine weight training with a reduced-calorie, balanced diet and some cardio for best results. Using our free progress tracker helps monitor combined efforts.
Is weight training better than cardio for weight loss?
Both are valuable. Cardio burns calories during exercise; weight training increases resting metabolic rate and preserves muscle. Combining both—alongside diet—produces the best outcomes for sustainable weight loss. Mix resistance training 2–3 times weekly with 150+ minutes of moderate cardio weekly.
What if I'm very overweight—is weight training safe?
Always consult your GP before starting any new exercise programme, especially if you're very overweight or have health conditions. Your GP can advise on safe progression. Start with bodyweight exercises or lighter weights, focus on form, and gradually increase intensity. Working with a trainer can help ensure safety.
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.