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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Kettlebell Routine for Weight Loss — UK Fitness & Medical Guide
Kettlebell routines are an excellent form of resistance exercise that can support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and consistent physical activity. However, exercise alone isn't always enough — especially for those with significant weight to lose. The good news is that if you're struggling with weight management in the UK, prescription weight loss options are available alongside fitness routines. This guide explores how kettlebells can help, and what medication options may support your weight management journey if you're eligible. Start by calculating your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your current health position.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For UK adults struggling with weight management, prescription medications offer evidence-based support alongside exercise and diet. Three main options are currently licensed for weight loss in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A once-weekly injection that acts on two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1). Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Average weight loss in clinical trials was approximately 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection, approved for weight loss in the UK with similar average outcomes.
All three are prescription-only medications requiring clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses if you're considering medication.
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 Access vs Private Prescription — How to Find Out If You're Eligible
NHS access: Through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Ask your GP for a referral to your local weight management service — availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have substantial waiting lists.
Private access: Through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. No NHS referral needed, though costs vary (typically £129–£320+ monthly depending on dose). Both routes require a prescriber to assess whether medication is appropriate for your health and medical history.
Whether you choose exercise, medication, or both, sustainable weight loss combines multiple approaches. Use our free progress tracker to monitor your journey, and speak to your GP about all options available to you — they can advise which approach is right for your individual circumstances.
- 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.
Can kettlebell exercise alone help me lose weight without medication?
Yes, kettlebell routines combined with a calorie deficit can support weight loss. However, exercise alone typically produces slower results than exercise plus dietary changes. For significant or sustained weight loss, a combination of physical activity, reduced-calorie diet, and (if eligible) prescription medication often works best. Your GP can advise on the best approach for your circumstances.
What BMI do I need to be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Generally, a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds may apply. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then discuss eligibility with your GP.
Is Mounjaro or Wegovy available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, both are licensed in the UK and available through NHS specialist weight management services following referral from your GP. However, NHS availability varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Private prescription options are also available through registered UK prescribers without NHS referral.
How quickly does prescription weight loss medication work?
Results vary between individuals. Most people see gradual weight loss over weeks and months rather than rapid change. Doses are typically increased over 16–20 weeks, and weight loss continues over months. Clinical trials measured results over 68–72 weeks. Consistency with diet and exercise maximises results.
Can I combine kettlebell training with prescription weight loss medication?
Yes, in fact combining exercise with medication often produces better results than either alone. Weight loss medications work alongside, not instead of, lifestyle changes. Always inform your prescriber about your exercise routine, and consider speaking to a fitness professional about safe training while on medication.
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.