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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Are Raisins Good for Weight Loss?
Raisins are often promoted as a healthy snack, but their role in weight loss is more nuanced than headlines suggest. Whilst raisins do contain beneficial nutrients and fibre, they're also calorie-dense and high in natural sugars, which means they need to be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced approach to weight management. This guide explores what the evidence actually shows about raisins and weight loss, and how they fit into a sustainable nutrition plan in the UK.
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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.
What Makes Raisins Calorie-Dense?
Raisins are dried grapes, meaning their nutrients and sugars are concentrated. A small 28-gram handful contains approximately 85 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates, mostly natural sugars like fructose and glucose. Whilst this might seem modest, portion sizes matter — it's easy to consume multiple handfuls without realising the calorie intake. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which typically supports losing 0.5 to 1 kg per week. In this context, raisins can fit into a weight management plan, but only if portion-controlled and counted within your daily calorie allowance. Raisins do provide fibre, potassium, and antioxidants, which support overall health. However, their sugar content means they're best eaten sparingly if weight loss is your goal.
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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 Management Beyond Individual Foods
No single food — including raisins — will cause weight loss or weight gain on its own. What matters is your overall calorie intake, physical activity level, and consistency over time. The most effective approach to weight management combines reduced-calorie eating with increased physical activity. For those struggling with appetite control or plateauing weight loss, prescription weight loss injections like GLP-1 medications may help — these are available through NHS weight management services or private clinical assessment in the UK. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore how medication might support your individual goals, and use our BMI calculator to understand your current weight status and healthy weight range.
- 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 I eat raisins and still lose weight?
Yes, in moderation. Raisins can be part of a weight loss plan if portion-controlled and counted within your daily calorie intake. A small handful (about 28g) is reasonable, but eating raisins mindlessly from the box can quickly add up. Balance them with protein, vegetables, and whole foods to feel fuller longer.
Are raisins better than other dried fruits for weight loss?
Most dried fruits — raisins, dates, dried apricots — have similar calorie densities because water is removed during drying. Fresh fruit is generally less calorie-dense than dried fruit. If you enjoy dried fruit, measure portions and eat them with meals rather than as standalone snacks.
What's the difference between natural sugars in raisins and added sugars?
Raisins contain fructose and glucose naturally present in grapes. Whilst these are "natural", they're still sugars and affect blood glucose and calorie intake the same way as added sugars. The advantage of raisins is they come with fibre and nutrients; however, portion control is still essential.
Should I avoid raisins completely if I'm trying to lose weight?
No. Complete avoidance of favourite foods often leads to unsustainable diets and cravings. Instead, enjoy raisins in measured amounts — perhaps 1 tablespoon as an occasional snack or mixed into porridge. The key is awareness and consistency with your overall calorie intake.
How do weight loss injections compare to managing diet with foods like raisins?
Weight loss injections like semaglutide (Wegovy) are prescription-only medicines that help regulate appetite and may support feeling fuller after meals. They work alongside diet and exercise changes, not instead of them. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of around 15% of body weight, though results vary. Discuss with your GP whether prescription weight loss treatment might suit you.
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.