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 Weight Loss and UK Prescription Weight Management
Kettlebell training is an excellent calorie-burning exercise, but sustainable weight loss often requires a combination of physical activity, dietary changes, and in some cases, prescription support. If you're interested in weight management in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications are now available for eligible adults. These work alongside exercise and diet to support weight loss efforts. Understanding your BMI and eligibility for medication can help you decide the best approach for your health goals.
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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.
UK-Licensed Weight Loss Medications
For UK adults struggling with weight management, three prescription-only medications are licensed for weight loss: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are not replacements for exercise like kettlebell training—they work alongside physical activity and reduced-calorie diets.
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection with doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Wegovy is also once-weekly, reaching a maximum dose of 2.4 mg, with average weight loss around 15% in trials. Saxenda is a daily injection (up to 3 mg) and was the first GLP-1 approved in the UK for weight management.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications are prescribed based on clinical assessment, not just BMI.
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.
Accessing Weight Loss Medication in the UK
In England, prescription weight loss medications are accessed through two routes: NHS specialist services and private prescribing. NHS access is through tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, typically requiring a GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region—some areas have limited availability or extended waiting lists.
Private access is faster; you can have a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber online and receive a prescription within days if appropriate. Whichever route you choose, speak with your GP first to discuss your weight management goals and explore all options. Calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand where you stand, and consider tracking your progress with our free progress tracker once you start any weight loss programme.
- 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.
Does kettlebell training alone help with weight loss?
Yes, kettlebell training burns significant calories and builds muscle, which supports weight loss. However, weight loss ultimately depends on creating a calorie deficit through diet. Combining exercise with dietary changes and, if eligible, prescription weight loss medication can improve outcomes for sustainable, long-term results.
Who is eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related conditions, may be eligible. Conditions include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea, or previous heart disease. A GP or prescriber will assess your individual circumstances.
How much weight can you lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy over 72 weeks, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary widely. Some people lose more, some less. These medications are tools that support weight loss—they don't assures specific outcomes.
Can I use kettlebell exercise with weight loss medication?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, combining exercise like kettlebell training with prescription weight loss medication, alongside a reduced-calorie diet, typically gives the best results. Always discuss your fitness plans with your prescriber or GP to ensure they're appropriate for your individual health situation.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 or 4 services following GP referral, but availability and waiting times vary by region. Private access is faster—online assessment and prescription within days if clinically appropriate—but involves out-of-pocket cost. Both require a valid prescription from a UK-licensed healthcare professional.
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.