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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Rowing for Weight Loss — UK Medication Options
Rowing is an excellent full-body exercise that burns considerable calories and builds muscle, making it a popular choice for weight management in the UK. However, exercise alone doesn't clinically studied weight loss — results depend on diet, consistency, and individual metabolism. For adults struggling with weight management, UK-licensed prescription medications are available alongside lifestyle changes like rowing. This guide explains the weight management options available in the UK and how to find out if you're eligible.
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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.
UK-Licensed Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Three prescription-only medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management, all available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following clinical assessment:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity including exercise like rowing.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once weekly. The STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at the highest dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A daily GLP-1 injection option, less commonly prescribed than the once-weekly alternatives.
All three medications work by reducing appetite, supporting fuller feelings after meals, and helping regulate blood sugar. Individual results vary significantly, and these medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes — including regular exercise, dietary improvements, and calorie reduction.
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.
NHS Access vs Private Options and Eligibility
In the UK, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Check your BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator to see if you might qualify.
NHS access: Available through specialist tier 3 weight management services — typically requiring referral from your GP. Waiting lists vary significantly by region.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, often with shorter wait times.
Start a conversation with your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication combined with your rowing routine might be appropriate for you. Track your progress over time using our free progress tracker alongside any treatment plan.
- 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 lose weight with rowing alone?
Rowing burns 400–800 calories per hour depending on intensity and body weight, making it excellent for weight loss alongside a calorie-reduced diet. However, sustainable weight loss typically requires both exercise and dietary changes. For some people, prescription medication may support additional weight loss when combined with rowing and calorie reduction.
How much weight can I lose with prescription weight loss medication?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy over several months, but individual results vary significantly. These medications are most effective alongside lifestyle changes like rowing, dietary improvement, and calorie reduction. Your personal results will depend on many factors.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults may qualify at lower BMI thresholds. Your GP can assess your individual circumstances and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 15mg weekly, whilst Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist only with a maximum dose of 2.4mg weekly. Clinical trials suggest slightly higher average weight loss with Mounjaro, though individual response varies. Both require prescription and clinical assessment.
Can I use rowing and weight loss medication together?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications work alongside lifestyle changes, including exercise like rowing. In fact, combining medication with regular physical activity, dietary changes, and calorie reduction typically produces better results than any single approach alone. Always discuss your exercise plans with your prescriber.
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.