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 Machine For Weight Loss — UK Guide
Rowing machines are an excellent low-impact cardiovascular tool for weight loss, burning 300–700 calories per hour depending on intensity and body weight. However, for many UK adults looking to lose weight, combining exercise with other approaches — including prescription weight loss medication — can improve results. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for NHS-approved prescription weight management options. This guide explains how exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes work together for sustainable weight loss in the UK.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
For eligible UK adults, three prescription medications are licensed for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These work by reducing appetite and supporting feeling fuller after smaller meals, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet — the foundation of sustainable weight loss.
- Mounjaro: Dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist; clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with diet and exercise
- Wegovy: GLP-1 agonist; average weight loss of approximately 15% in clinical trials
- Saxenda: Daily GLP-1 injection; effective for adults with BMI 30 or above
All require a prescription and clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly. Weight loss medication works best alongside lifestyle changes like rowing, walking, or strength training — not instead of them. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes at different doses if you're considering prescription options.
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 vs Private Access in the UK
NHS route: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP. Eligibility is based on BMI and weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea). NHS access is free but availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral. Costs vary by dose and provider.
Whichever route you choose, speak with your GP first. They can assess your individual health, discuss whether prescription weight loss medication is appropriate, and guide you toward NHS services or support private options. Combining exercise like rowing with the right support — whether that's medication, nutrition advice, or both — significantly improves long-term success.
- 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 many calories does a rowing machine burn for weight loss?
Rowing typically burns 300–700 calories per hour depending on intensity, body weight, and fitness level. Heavier individuals burn more calories. For sustainable weight loss, combine rowing with a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which typically results in losing approximately 0.5 kg per week — in line with NHS guidance.
Can I use a rowing machine instead of taking weight loss medication?
Rowing is excellent for cardiovascular health and calorie burn, but medication can help those who struggle with appetite control or have tried lifestyle changes alone without success. Many people benefit from combining both — exercise supports overall health while prescription medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy helps reduce hunger cues and makes diet adherence easier.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication 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 such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Ethnicity-adjusted thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults. Your GP can assess your individual eligibility.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication in the UK?
NHS prescription requires referral to a specialist weight management service and is free but may have waiting lists. Private options are available through online consultants without NHS referral and are paid. Both require a clinical assessment from a licensed UK prescriber. Medication and dosing options are the same either way.
Should I start rowing or consider medication first?
The NHS recommends starting with lifestyle changes — diet and exercise like rowing — as the foundation. If after 3–6 months you've plateaued or struggle with appetite despite effort, discuss prescription options with your GP. Many people benefit from combining both: rowing for cardiovascular health and overall fitness, medication to support appetite control and diet adherence alongside that exercise.
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.