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
Vibrating Machines for Weight Loss: What the Evidence Shows
Vibrating platforms and body shaking machines are heavily marketed for weight loss in the UK, but there's limited scientific evidence they work. If you're looking for effective weight management, prescription medications and lifestyle changes are proven approaches backed by NHS guidelines. This guide explores what the evidence actually says about vibrating machines and explains the prescription weight loss options available to eligible UK adults.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Management Options
If you're exploring weight management in the UK, prescription medications offer evidence-based support for eligible adults. The main options available are:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, also injected once weekly. STEP trials demonstrated approximately 14.9% average weight loss.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, typically resulting in around 5–clinically studied weight loss.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. They work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after eating, and are most effective when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly.
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 Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes. NHS access is via specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, though waiting lists can be lengthy and availability varies by region. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
To find out if you're eligible, use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point. Adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, may be eligible. Speak to your GP about your options, or a private prescriber can assess suitability through a consultation. Results depend on individual health, lifestyle changes, and commitment.
- 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 vibrating plates actually help you lose weight?
Limited scientific evidence supports vibrating machines for significant weight loss. While some studies suggest minor benefits for muscle activation and balance, they're not considered an effective standalone weight loss tool. For proven results, prescription medication like GLP-1 injections, combined with diet and exercise, is far more evidence-backed.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, typically showing 15–21% average weight loss. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist alone, with approximately 14.9% average weight loss. Both are once-weekly injections. Mounjaro may be more effective for some people, but individual results vary and choice depends on clinical suitability.
How do I access prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service (tier 3). They'll assess whether you're eligible based on BMI and health conditions. NHS eligibility typically requires BMI ≥30 or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions. Waiting times vary by region, sometimes several months.
Can I get Mounjaro or Wegovy privately in the UK?
Yes. Both are available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. Private access doesn't require an NHS referral. Costs vary by dose and provider, typically £129–£320 per month. All prescribers will assess your medical history and suitability before prescribing.
What's the safest rate of weight loss according to the NHS?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week for sustainable, healthy weight loss. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. Faster loss is possible with medical support but increases risk of muscle loss. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to stay on course.
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.