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
Swimming Routine For Weight Loss — How to Get Started
Swimming is one of the most effective exercises for sustainable weight loss in the UK. It burns significant calories, builds lean muscle, and is gentle on your joints — making it ideal for long-term weight management. While regular swimming and a healthy diet are proven weight loss foundations, many UK adults also explore prescription weight management options to support their fitness goals. This guide covers swimming routines, calorie burn, and how prescription weight loss medication may complement your swimming programme.
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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 Options Available
If you're swimming regularly but finding weight loss progress slow, prescription weight management medications are available to eligible UK adults. Three options are currently licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works via dual GIP and GLP-1 pathways, with clinical trial data showing average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection, with clinical trials demonstrating average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection option
All three are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment to confirm eligibility. Eligibility typically includes adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea. These medications are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes like your swimming routine — not instead of them. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with these medications.
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.
How to Access Weight Loss Medication Through the NHS or Privately
In the UK, you have two routes to prescription weight management medication:
NHS route: Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 specialist weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Some ICBs have established GLP-1 prescribing pathways; others have waiting lists of many months.
Private route: Consult a UK-licensed prescriber through a registered online pharmacy following a clinical assessment. This is faster than NHS pathways and doesn't require a GP referral, though costs apply (typically £129–£320 monthly depending on medication and dose).
Either way, a prescriber will review your BMI, health history, and weight loss goals to assess suitability. Swimming combined with prescription support can deliver meaningful results — track your progress using our free progress tracker and use our BMI calculator to monitor changes regularly.
- 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 swimming burn per hour?
Most adults burn 400–700 calories per hour swimming, depending on intensity, stroke, and body weight. Vigorous front crawl burns more than leisurely breaststroke. Combined with a calorie deficit diet, regular swimming creates the foundation for sustainable weight loss.
Can swimming alone lead to significant weight loss?
Swimming can absolutely contribute to weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet. However, weight loss requires a calorie deficit — you must consume fewer calories than you burn. For many people, combining swimming with dietary changes and professional support (including prescription medication if eligible) accelerates results.
What swimming routine is best for weight loss?
Aim for 3–4 sessions per week, 30–60 minutes each. Vary intensity: include high-intensity interval swimming (fast laps alternated with recovery) and steady-state endurance swimming. Consistency matters more than intensity — building a routine you enjoy increases the likelihood you'll stick with it long-term.
Are prescription weight loss injections compatible with exercise like swimming?
Yes. Mounjaro and Wegovy are specifically designed to work alongside lifestyle changes including exercise. Many people find that reduced appetite from these medications makes it easier to maintain the calorie deficit needed for weight loss, while continuing their swimming routine and other physical activity.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Eligibility depends on your BMI and health. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with weight-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea), may qualify. A GP or licensed prescriber will assess your individual circumstances. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI as a starting point.
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.