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
Running Program For Weight Loss — Complete UK Guide
Running is one of the most effective exercises for weight loss because it burns significant calories, builds cardiovascular fitness, and can be done almost anywhere. However, sustainable weight management in the UK often combines exercise with other approaches — including prescription weight management options for those who are eligible. This guide explores how running fits into a comprehensive weight loss strategy, alongside medical support available through the NHS and privately.
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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 Management Options
For adults looking to lose weight, the UK now offers several prescription weight management medications alongside lifestyle changes like running. Three main options are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works by activating GLP-1 and GIP hormone pathways, helping regulate appetite and reduce food cravings. Clinical trials showed adults lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical evidence suggests average weight loss of around 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, offering an alternative for those who prefer different dosing schedules.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment from a qualified prescriber. Eligibility in the UK typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see where you stand.
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 and Next Steps
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — your GP can refer you, though waiting lists vary significantly by region and availability can be limited. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online prescribing services following an online clinical assessment, without needing an NHS referral.
If you're considering prescription weight management alongside your running program, have an honest conversation with your GP about your weight loss goals, current fitness routine, and any health conditions. They can assess whether medication might be suitable and discuss the best route — NHS or private — for your situation. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different dose levels, and track your progress with our progress tracker as you combine running with 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.
Will running alone help me lose weight?
Yes, running burns significant calories and supports weight loss when combined with a calorie deficit. Most people lose around 0.5–1 kg per week with consistent exercise and dietary changes. However, for some individuals — especially those with a BMI over 30 — prescription medication alongside running and diet may accelerate and sustain results more effectively.
How does prescription weight loss medication work with exercise?
Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work by reducing appetite and food cravings, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit. They are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them. Running and other physical activity remain important for cardiovascular health and long-term weight management success.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss treatment on the NHS?
NHS eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition. Your GP can assess your individual circumstances and discuss referral to a specialist weight management service. Eligibility and availability vary by region and local NHS commissioning.
Can I start prescription weight loss medication without seeing my GP?
No — all prescription weight loss medications require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber. Private online prescribing services provide clinical assessments, but you must be assessed as suitable before any medication is prescribed. Your GP is always a good starting point.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with medication?
Weight loss typically begins within the first few weeks as doses increase. Clinical trials show that meaningful results (5–clinically studied weight loss) are usually visible within 8–12 weeks. Individual results vary depending on dose, adherence, diet, and exercise. Our weight loss calculator can help estimate your potential progress.
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.