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
Kettlebell Workouts for Weight Loss in the UK
Kettlebell workouts are an effective form of exercise that can support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and other lifestyle changes. Regular kettlebell training builds muscle, increases calorie burn, and improves cardiovascular fitness — all important factors in sustainable weight management. However, exercise alone is rarely enough for significant weight loss. For adults struggling with excess weight, prescription weight loss medication is also available in the UK. This guide explores how kettlebell training fits into a broader weight loss strategy, alongside the prescription and lifestyle options available to eligible adults in the UK.
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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults looking to lose weight in the UK, several prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) — all licensed for weight management in eligible adults.
Who is eligible? Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication. These medications work by helping to regulate appetite and reduce food cravings, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
In clinical trials, GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy helped participants lose an average of 15% of their body weight, whilst Mounjaro (which works via a dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism) showed average weight loss of around 15–21% — though individual results vary significantly. Importantly, these medications are most effective when used alongside exercise like kettlebell training and dietary changes, not as a replacement for lifestyle modification.
Weight 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 Prescribing in the UK
NHS access: Prescription weight loss medications are available through tier 3 specialist weight management services in the NHS. You can ask your GP for a referral, though availability varies significantly by region and waiting times can be lengthy.
Private prescribing: If you prefer faster access, prescription weight loss medication is available through UK-licensed online prescribers following a clinical assessment. A prescriber will review your medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals to determine whether medication is appropriate for you.
Whether you choose kettlebell training, prescription medication, or a combination of both approaches, the key to sustainable weight loss is finding a plan you can maintain long-term. Use our free BMI calculator to understand your current weight status, and speak with your GP if you're interested in exploring prescription weight loss options alongside your fitness routine.
- 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 workouts alone help me lose weight?
Kettlebell workouts are excellent for building muscle and increasing calorie burn, but weight loss requires a calorie deficit. Exercise is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. For significant weight loss, prescription medication alongside exercise and diet changes may also be beneficial — ask your GP about your options.
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 health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may be eligible. Eligibility varies by individual health profile and must be assessed by a prescriber or NHS specialist service.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections available in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) uses a dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism and showed average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) uses a GLP-1 mechanism and showed average weight loss of around 15%. Individual results vary and prescriber assessment is required.
How do I access prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Availability varies by region (ICB). Private prescribing is also available through UK-licensed online services if you prefer faster access without an NHS referral.
Should I use kettlebell workouts instead of weight loss medication?
Kettlebell training and prescription medication serve different purposes. Exercise builds fitness and supports calorie burn, whilst medication helps regulate appetite. They work best together — combining kettlebell training, a reduced-calorie diet, and medication (if eligible) gives the best chance of sustainable weight loss.
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.