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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Stomach Weight Loss Exercises and UK Medication Options
Targeted stomach exercises can help strengthen your core, but sustainable weight loss requires a combination of exercise, diet, and sometimes prescription support. If you're struggling to lose weight around the midsection, you may be eligible for prescription weight management in the UK. This guide covers both exercise strategies and the medication options available through the NHS or private prescribing. For many people in the UK, combining lifestyle changes with eligible prescription weight loss medication alongside exercise produces better results than exercise alone.
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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 Weight Loss Medications and Eligibility
Three prescription-only medications are currently licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are not supplements — they are prescription medications that require clinical assessment before being prescribed.
Who is eligible:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or
- Adults with a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea)
- Lower BMI thresholds may apply if you are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage
In clinical trials, eligible adults using prescription weight loss medication lost an average of 15–21% of body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes at different doses, and check your current BMI using our BMI calculator on this page.
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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.
Accessing Weight Loss Medication: NHS vs Private Routes
NHS Access: Weight loss medication is available through specialist tier 3 and tier 4 weight management services. Your GP can refer you, but availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some areas have waiting lists of many months.
Private Access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. No GP referral required, but you pay privately (typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose).
Next steps: Start a conversation with your GP about whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. They can discuss eligibility, help you access NHS services if available, or advise on private options. Track your progress using our free progress tracker as you pursue weight loss through exercise, diet, and medication where eligible.
- 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 stomach exercises alone help me lose weight around my midsection?
Stomach exercises strengthen core muscles but won't reduce belly fat without a calorie deficit. Weight loss from any area depends on overall body weight reduction through diet and exercise. Targeted fat loss isn't possible — your body loses fat from all areas as weight decreases. For significant results, combine exercise with dietary changes or speak to your GP about prescription options.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Both are prescription-only weight loss injections, once weekly. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. In clinical trials, both helped users lose 15–21% of body weight on average. They work similarly but may have different side effects for individuals. Your prescriber will assess which suits you.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Eligibility varies by region. Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service. They will assess you fully and discuss whether medication is appropriate.
Can I use weight loss medication alongside exercise and diet changes?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Medication supports appetite control and fullness signals, making it easier to stick to lifestyle changes. They're not a replacement for exercise or healthy eating — they work together.
What's the typical cost of private weight loss medication in the UK?
Private costs range from approximately £129–£320 per month depending on the dose and medication. Mounjaro and Wegovy typically cost more at higher doses. NHS prescriptions are free if you're eligible through specialist services. Compare options and discuss costs with prescribers before starting treatment.
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.