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
How Resistance Training Supports Weight Loss
Resistance training (strength and weight exercises) is a powerful tool for weight management UK. Unlike cardio alone, resistance work builds muscle, increases metabolic rate, and helps preserve lean mass during weight loss. The NHS recognises strength training as a key component of sustainable weight management. This guide explains how resistance training works, the science behind it, and how to combine it with other weight loss approaches—including prescription weight loss medication if appropriate—for the best results.
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.
How Resistance Training Aids Weight Loss
Builds and preserves muscle mass: When losing weight, your body can lose both fat and muscle. Resistance training signals your muscles to stay, protecting lean mass and maintaining a higher metabolic rate—the number of calories your body burns at rest.
Increases calorie burn: Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, even when you're not exercising. Regular resistance work increases your resting metabolic rate by approximately 3–8%, depending on the volume and intensity of training.
Improves body composition: Two people at the same weight can look very different. Resistance training improves how your body looks and feels by increasing muscle definition and reducing body fat percentage—metrics that matter more than weight alone.
Enhances glucose control: Strength training improves how your body uses insulin and manages blood sugar, which is particularly important for people managing weight-related health conditions like prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
- Builds metabolic resilience
- Reduces injury risk during weight loss
- Improves bone density
- Supports long-term weight maintenance
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.
Combining Resistance Training With Prescription Weight Loss
Prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may help reduce appetite and support weight loss UK when combined with lifestyle changes. The research is clear: these medications work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity—which includes resistance training.
Using our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses when combined with exercise. Resistance training amplifies results because it preserves muscle during the weight loss process, meaning more of your weight loss comes from fat rather than lean tissue. Always consult your GP about combining any prescribed weight loss medication with a new exercise programme, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor both weight changes and fitness improvements over time.
- 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.
How much resistance training do I need to see weight loss results?
The NHS recommends muscle-strengthening activities on 2+ days per week. Even 2–3 sessions of 30–45 minutes weekly shows measurable improvements in body composition and metabolic rate. Consistency matters more than intensity—start with weights you can control and progress gradually.
Will resistance training make me bulky?
No. Building significant muscle requires a calorie surplus, specific nutrition, and years of dedicated training. During weight loss (calorie deficit), resistance training helps preserve muscle and burn fat, resulting in a leaner appearance, not bulk. Women especially benefit without risk of becoming "bulky".
Can I do resistance training while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Yes, and it's encouraged. In fact, combining prescription weight loss medication with regular resistance training produces better results because you preserve lean mass. Always inform your prescriber about your exercise plans, and stay hydrated and well-nourished during training while on these medications.
What's the difference between resistance training and cardio for weight loss?
Cardio burns calories during exercise; resistance training burns calories during exercise AND increases your resting metabolic rate long-term. The best approach combines both: cardio for immediate calorie burn and cardiovascular health, resistance training for sustainable metabolic benefits and body composition.
How do I know if my resistance training is effective?
Track changes in strength (how much you can lift), body composition (how clothes fit, mirror changes), and energy levels—not just weight on the scales. Use our free BMI calculator and progress tracker to monitor your health metrics alongside weight. Strength improvements often precede visible weight loss changes.
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.