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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Do Sauna Suits Help With Weight Loss?
Sauna suits (also called sweat suits or steam suits) are marketed as weight loss tools, but the reality is more complex. While they do increase sweating and can temporarily reduce your weight on the scales, this is almost entirely water loss — not fat loss. In the UK, where sustainable weight management is increasingly supported by prescription weight loss medications and NHS guidance, sauna suits are not considered an effective long-term weight loss solution. This guide explains how they work, why they don't deliver lasting results, and what evidence-based approaches are actually recommended for weight loss.
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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.
How Sauna Suits Work And Why They Don't Burn Fat
Sauna suits trap body heat and moisture, causing you to sweat profusely during exercise. This creates the illusion of weight loss — a person wearing a sauna suit might see a 1–2kg drop on the scales after a workout. However, this is pure water loss through sweat, not fat loss.
Fat loss requires a sustained calorie deficit — your body needs to burn more energy than it consumes. A single sauna suit workout burns no more calories than the same exercise without one. In fact, overheating may force you to stop exercising sooner, potentially burning fewer calories overall.
The water weight returns within hours once you rehydrate. For genuine, sustainable weight loss, the NHS recommends losing 0.5–1kg per week through a combination of reduced-calorie eating and regular physical activity. Sauna suits are simply sweat accelerators, not fat burners.
- Water loss from sweating is temporary and returns with rehydration
- No additional calories are burned compared to exercising without a suit
- May actually reduce exercise duration due to overheating
- Offers no advantage for weight management UK standards
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.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss That Actually Works
For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS supports a tiered approach: lifestyle changes first (diet and exercise), then support through tier 2 weight management programmes, and prescription medications through tier 3 specialist services for those who need additional help.
Prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections (including semaglutide-based options like Wegovy) work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller meals — they address the underlying biology of weight regulation, not just temporary water loss. Clinical trials show that people using GLP-1 medications, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, can lose 14–21% of their body weight.
Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes with evidence-based treatment, and use our free BMI calculator to understand your current health status and weight management goals.
- Calorie deficit of 500 kcal/day typically leads to ~0.5kg loss per week
- Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets have strong evidence for long-term success
- Prescription weight loss treatment may help if lifestyle changes alone haven't worked
- Your GP can refer you to NHS specialist services or recommend private options
- 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.
Do sauna suits really help you lose weight?
Sauna suits cause temporary water loss through sweating, which shows on the scales immediately. However, this weight returns once you rehydrate. They do not burn additional fat or calories compared to exercising without one. True weight loss requires a calorie deficit sustained over time, not temporary dehydration.
Are sauna suits dangerous?
Sauna suits increase core body temperature rapidly and can pose health risks, especially during intense exercise. Risks include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and in extreme cases, heat stroke. They are not recommended by NHS weight management guidance. Always consult your GP before using any device marketed for weight loss.
What's the difference between water weight and fat loss?
Water weight fluctuates daily based on hydration, salt intake, hormones, and sweat. Fat loss requires sustained calorie deficit. A sauna suit causes temporary water loss that returns immediately. For lasting weight loss, you need to lose actual body fat, which takes weeks and requires lifestyle changes or medical support.
Can I use a sauna suit for exercise to burn more calories?
No. Your body burns the same number of calories doing the same exercise regardless of clothing. A sauna suit may actually reduce calorie burn by forcing you to stop earlier due to overheating. Safer approaches include gradually increasing exercise intensity, duration, or finding activities you genuinely enjoy.
What weight loss options are actually recommended in the UK?
The NHS recommends a calorie deficit (typically 500 kcal/day for ~0.5kg weekly loss) through balanced eating and regular activity. For weight management UK guidance, tier 2 programmes offer behaviour support. Prescription medications through tier 3 services may help eligible adults. Your GP can assess what's appropriate for you and your health.
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.