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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Treadmill Walking for Weight Loss — Exercise and UK Medication Support
Treadmill walking is an accessible, low-impact way to support weight loss when combined with dietary changes. Regular walking on a treadmill burns calories, builds cardiovascular fitness, and can help you reach a healthier weight. However, for many UK adults, exercise alone may not be enough. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with weight-related health conditions, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication alongside your exercise routine. This guide explores both treadmill walking and the prescription weight management options available in the UK.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options for Weight Management
If you're walking on a treadmill to lose weight but want additional support, three prescription medications are licensed in the UK for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly injection that works via dual GIP and GLP-1 pathways. In clinical trials, people lost an average of 15–21% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection, with similar effectiveness to Wegovy.
All three are prescription-only medicines and require a clinical assessment to determine eligibility. Individual results vary. These medications work best when combined with lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity like treadmill walking, rather than as replacements for exercise.
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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 Eligibility and How to Access Weight Loss Support in the UK
To be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27 and above if you have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Start by speaking with your GP, who can refer you to an NHS specialist weight management service (tier 3) if appropriate for your area. Alternatively, you can access prescription weight loss medication through private online prescribing following a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. Check your current BMI using our free BMI calculator, then discuss your options with your healthcare provider to create a personalised weight management plan that combines exercise like treadmill walking with evidence-based medical support.
- 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 much weight can I lose from treadmill walking alone?
Weight loss from treadmill walking depends on duration, intensity, diet, and individual factors. A 70kg person walking at moderate pace (5 km/h) for 30 minutes burns roughly 150 kcal. Combined with a calorie deficit and balanced diet, consistent treadmill walking can support steady weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week.
How does treadmill walking compare to prescription weight loss medication?
Treadmill walking builds fitness and burns calories but may not be sufficient alone for significant weight loss. Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy target appetite regulation and are designed for people with BMI 30+. Best results typically come from combining both: regular exercise and medication for eligible adults.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication if I'm exercising regularly?
Exercise alone doesn't determine eligibility. You're eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Eligibility is assessed by your GP or a prescriber — exercise is encouraged alongside medication, not instead of it.
What's the difference between NHS and private weight loss medication access?
NHS prescription weight loss medication is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services following GP referral — availability varies by region and waiting times can be lengthy. Private access requires consultation with a UK-licensed online prescriber and is available without NHS referral but involves private costs, typically £129–£320 per month depending on medication and dose.
Can I use treadmill walking whilst taking Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications work best combined with lifestyle changes including regular physical activity. Treadmill walking is excellent low-impact exercise that complements GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medication. Always discuss your exercise plan with your prescriber, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
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.