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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Do Pressure Points Really Help With Weight Loss?
Pressure points and acupressure are popular alternative health concepts, but the scientific evidence for weight loss is limited. This guide explores what pressure points claim to do, what research actually shows, and the evidence-based approaches to weight management in the UK — from lifestyle changes to prescription medication options. If you're exploring weight loss options, understanding what works (and what doesn't) 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 Acupressure Claim to Do for Weight Loss?
Acupressure and pressure point therapy are based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, suggesting that applying pressure to specific body points can influence appetite, digestion, and metabolism. Common claimed pressure points for weight loss include the ear point (said to reduce hunger), points on the forearm (claimed to improve digestion), and stomach area points.
Proponents suggest that stimulating these points may help by:
- Reducing appetite and food cravings
- Improving digestive function
- Increasing metabolism
- Reducing stress-related eating
However, the NHS and major health bodies note that evidence for acupressure specifically supporting weight loss is weak and inconsistent. Any small effects seen in studies may be due to placebo effect (where belief in treatment creates perceived benefits) rather than the pressure points themselves having a biological mechanism.
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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.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss Strategies That Actually Work
Rather than pressure points, the NHS and NICE recommend evidence-based approaches: a sustained calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day typically supports weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week. This combines dietary changes with increased physical activity. For UK adults with a BMI of 30 or above — or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions — prescription weight management medication is available following clinical assessment. Calculate your current BMI and explore your options using our free BMI calculator above to understand where you stand healthwise.
Sustainable weight loss works best when combining multiple strategies: realistic dietary changes, regular movement, behavioural support, and where appropriate, medical intervention.
Weight loss medication in the UK includes GLP-1 injections like Wegovy (semaglutide), which clinical trials showed can support average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential weight loss projections at different doses if you're interested in prescription options. The key is consulting your GP or a licensed prescriber to assess what's suitable for your individual health profile.
- 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.
Is acupressure proven to help with weight loss?
No. While acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine, the NHS notes that scientific evidence for its weight loss benefits is weak and inconsistent. Any observed effects may be placebo rather than a direct biological mechanism. Evidence-based approaches like calorie deficit, physical activity, and (where appropriate) prescription medication have much stronger research support.
What is the evidence for pressure points and appetite?
Some small studies suggest acupressure to ear points may slightly reduce appetite, but findings are inconsistent and often involve small participant numbers. The NHS does not recommend acupressure as a primary weight loss strategy. It's not considered part of standard NHS weight management services or NICE-approved approaches.
What weight management methods does the NHS recommend?
The NHS recommends a combination approach: sustained calorie deficit (around 500 kcal/day for approximately 0.5–1 kg loss weekly), increased physical activity, and behavioural changes. For eligible adults, prescription weight management medication is available through specialist services. Your GP can refer you to tier 3 weight management services if appropriate.
How much weight can I lose with prescription medication?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy can support average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight in clinical trials, though individual results vary significantly. This is achieved alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Eligibility depends on your BMI and health profile — your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess suitability.
Where do I start if I want to lose weight?
Start by checking your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your current weight status. Then speak with your GP about sustainable weight loss strategies. Depending on your BMI and health conditions, you may be eligible for NHS weight management support or prescription medication. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to stay motivated throughout your journey.
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.