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
Does Legs Up The Wall Help With Weight Loss?
Legs up the wall (also called viparita karani in yoga) is a popular relaxation pose that many people believe supports weight loss. The truth is more nuanced. While this restorative yoga position won't directly burn significant calories, it may support weight management as part of a broader lifestyle approach. It can reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote better sleep — all factors that support sustainable weight loss. However, meaningful weight loss requires a calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and often professional support. If you're serious about losing weight, understanding the complete picture — including diet, exercise, and when prescription support may help — is essential.
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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.
What Does Legs Up The Wall Actually Do?
Legs up the wall is a passive yoga pose where you lie on your back with your legs extended vertically up against a wall. It's designed to promote relaxation and lymphatic drainage rather than burn calories directly.
- Stress reduction: Activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping lower cortisol levels — elevated cortisol is linked to weight gain and belly fat storage
- Improved circulation: Reverses blood flow and may support lymphatic function
- Better sleep quality: Relaxation helps regulate sleep, and poor sleep increases hunger hormones and weight gain risk
- Gentle on the body: Requires minimal effort, making it accessible to most people
However, legs up the wall burns very few calories — typically only 1–2 calories per 10 minutes. For meaningful weight loss, you need regular movement that elevates your heart rate, combined with sustainable nutrition changes.
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.
Weight Loss Requires More Than Relaxation Poses
Sustainable weight loss depends on a calorie deficit — consuming fewer calories than you burn — alongside regular physical activity and behaviour change. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week through a combination of diet and exercise.
If you're overweight or struggling with weight management, your GP can help assess your individual situation and discuss all available options. These may include lifestyle support, digital tools to track progress, or in some cases, prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes. Calculate your personal BMI using the free calculator above to understand your current health context, then discuss next steps with your healthcare team.
- 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 legs up the wall alone help me lose weight?
No. Legs up the wall burns minimal calories and is designed for relaxation, not weight loss. Sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit through diet and exercise. Legs up the wall may support weight management indirectly by reducing stress and improving sleep, but it should be part of a broader, evidence-based approach alongside other activities.
How many calories does legs up the wall burn?
Legs up the wall burns approximately 1–2 calories per 10 minutes. For context, a 30-minute brisk walk burns around 150–200 calories depending on body weight and pace. For meaningful weight loss, you need activities that elevate your heart rate and create a meaningful calorie deficit.
Does reducing stress help with weight loss?
Yes. High stress elevates cortisol, which increases appetite and promotes fat storage, especially around the abdomen. Managing stress through relaxation, yoga, meditation, or other techniques can support weight loss efforts. However, stress management alone won't create the calorie deficit needed for weight loss — diet and exercise are essential.
What's the best way to lose weight sustainably?
The NHS recommends a combination of: reduced-calorie diet (around 500 kcal/day deficit), regular physical activity (150 minutes moderate activity per week), and behaviour change support. Your GP can discuss whether additional support — such as digital tracking tools or prescription weight loss medication — might help your specific situation.
Should I use legs up the wall instead of exercise?
No. Legs up the wall is a gentle, supportive practice best used alongside — not instead of — regular exercise. Combine it with cardio and strength training for real weight loss results. If you're new to exercise or have health concerns, start with your GP's guidance and build gradually.
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.