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
Walking Pad Weight Loss in the UK
A walking pad is a compact exercise treadmill designed for low-impact activity throughout the day. While walking pads can be a useful tool for weight management UK, they work best alongside other lifestyle changes and, for many people, prescription weight loss medication. This guide explains how walking pads fit into a comprehensive weight loss strategy, and what prescription options are available through the NHS or privately if you're eligible for weight loss support in the UK.
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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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
For adults struggling with weight management despite lifestyle changes like walking pads and diet modifications, prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK. Three medications are licensed for weight management:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 injection. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15–21% body weight over 72 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Average weight loss in clinical trials was approximately 15% body weight at the maximum dose.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a once-daily GLP-1 injection, available for several years in the UK.
Eligibility for prescription weight loss medication requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. All three medications are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed.
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 & Next Steps
In the UK, you can access prescription weight loss treatment through two routes. The NHS route involves asking your GP for a referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Waiting times vary significantly by region, and some areas have limited availability. The private route involves an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, followed by dispensing through a GPhC-registered pharmacy if you're assessed as clinically suitable.
Start by calculating your BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see if you fall within the eligibility range. If you do, speak to your GP about your options — they can discuss whether weight loss medication is appropriate for you alongside continued physical activity like walking pad use and dietary changes.
- 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 a walking pad alone help me lose weight?
A walking pad can support weight loss when used regularly alongside a healthy diet and calorie deficit. However, weight loss requires an overall energy deficit — approximately 0.5 kg per week loss needs a 500 kcal daily deficit. Walking pads are a useful tool but work best as part of a comprehensive approach including nutrition and, if eligible, prescription medication.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess your individual circumstances. Use our free BMI calculator on this page to check your current BMI.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and approximately 15% with Wegovy, achieved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, individual results vary significantly — some people lose more, some less. These medications work best combined with lifestyle changes, including regular activity like walking pad use.
What's the difference between NHS and private prescription weight loss in the UK?
NHS access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services via GP referral, with potential waiting lists. Private access is through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, typically faster but with costs ranging £129–£320+ monthly depending on dose. Both require a clinical assessment and prescription.
How do I start losing weight if I'm not eligible for prescription medication?
The NHS recommends a sustained calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day for steady weight loss of 0.5–1 kg weekly. Combine regular activity (like walking pad use), balanced nutrition, and consider joining an NHS-supported weight loss programme. Track your progress using our free progress tracker, and discuss lifestyle support options with your GP.
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.