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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Vibration Machine for Weight Loss — What You Need to Know
Vibration machines are marketed as an easy way to lose weight, but the scientific evidence for weight loss is limited. While they may support fitness when used alongside exercise, most health experts agree that sustainable weight management in the UK requires a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and where appropriate, clinical support. If you're exploring weight management options, this guide covers what vibration machines can realistically offer—and the prescription weight loss medications that have stronger clinical backing for eligible adults.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For adults struggling with weight management, the UK has several prescription-only weight loss medications that are supported by strong clinical evidence. These are available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment.
UK-licensed options include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist given once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, similar efficacy to Wegovy.
These medications may help regulate appetite, reduce food cravings, and support a reduced-calorie diet alongside increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly, and all prescription weight loss medications require a prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following clinical assessment of your health and eligibility.
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 Your First Steps
In the UK, weight loss medication uk pathways differ depending on where you access treatment. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 or tier 4 weight management services, typically requiring a GP referral. However, waiting lists can be very long in many areas. Private access is available through licensed online prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies—you do not need an NHS referral.
Start by speaking with your GP about your weight management goals. They can assess your eligibility for prescription weight loss treatment, discuss your health context, and either refer you to NHS services or advise you on private options. Use our free BMI calculator and GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand your current position and estimate potential outcomes with medication—these will help focus your conversation with your healthcare provider.
- 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 vibration machines actually help you lose weight?
Evidence for vibration machines causing weight loss is weak. While they may improve muscle tone and be useful as part of a broader fitness routine, weight loss requires a calorie deficit. Vibration alone does not burn enough calories for meaningful weight loss. Prescription weight management options have much stronger clinical evidence.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for weight loss?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) in trials compared to Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 agonist alone (~15% average). Both are once-weekly injections. Your prescriber will assess which is most suitable based on your health and medical history.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Eligibility is assessed individually by your GP or a licensed prescriber following a clinical consultation.
Can I get weight loss medication through the NHS or do I have to pay privately?
Both are possible. NHS access is through specialist weight management services (tier 3/4) via GP referral, but waiting lists vary by region. Private prescribing is available immediately through licensed online prescribers. Costs, timelines, and medication availability differ—discuss both options with your GP.
Should I use a vibration machine if I'm taking weight loss medication?
Vibration machines are not necessary for weight loss medication to work effectively. Focus on combining your medication with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity (brisk walking, strength work). If you enjoy vibration training, it may complement a broader fitness routine, but it is not required for success.
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.