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
Weight Lifting Exercises For Weight Loss
Weight lifting is an effective way to support weight loss and improve overall fitness. Combined with a calorie deficit and healthy eating, resistance training helps build muscle, boost metabolism, and increase calorie burn both during and after exercise. Many people in the UK combine exercise with other weight management strategies—including prescription weight loss medication if they're eligible. This guide covers how weight lifting supports weight loss, and what prescription options are available through the NHS or private prescribing if you need additional support.
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 Prescription Weight Loss Options
If you're looking to lose weight in the UK, prescription medications may be available to you alongside exercise and lifestyle changes. Three GLP-1 weight loss medications are licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — A dual GIP/GLP-1 injection, taken once weekly. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — A GLP-1 injection, taken once weekly. Average weight loss in trials was approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — A GLP-1 injection, taken once daily. An established option with consistent clinical evidence.
To be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your BMI and understand where you fall on the NHS weight categories.
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 in the UK
Prescription weight loss medication is available through two routes in the UK. NHS access requires referral to a specialist weight management service (tier 3), though availability and waiting times vary significantly by region and integrated care board (ICB). Private access is available through online consultations with UK-licensed prescribers, followed by a prescription dispensed by a registered pharmacy—no NHS referral needed.
Start a conversation with your GP about whether prescription weight loss medication is right for you. Your doctor can discuss your eligibility, any health conditions that may affect suitability, and whether NHS or private routes are more appropriate. You can also try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses if you're considering this option.
- 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.
Should I do weight lifting if I'm trying to lose weight?
Yes. Weight lifting supports weight loss by building muscle, which increases resting metabolic rate and helps you burn more calories throughout the day. Strength training also preserves muscle mass during calorie restriction, meaning more of your weight loss comes from fat rather than muscle. Aim for 2–3 sessions per week alongside cardiovascular exercise and a balanced diet.
Can I combine weight lifting with prescription weight loss medication?
Yes. Weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work best alongside a calorie deficit and increased physical activity—including strength training. Combining exercise, dietary changes, and medication (if you're eligible and prescribed it) can produce better results than any single approach alone. Always discuss exercise plans with your GP, especially if starting new medication.
How much weight can I lose with weight lifting alone?
Weight loss depends on your calorie deficit. You need approximately a 500 kcal daily deficit to lose around 0.5 kg per week. Weight lifting alone won't create this deficit, but combined with reduced calorie intake and cardiovascular exercise, it significantly supports sustainable weight loss. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for healthy, lasting results.
Am I eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea). Eligibility is assessed individually by your GP or a licensed prescriber. Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI, then speak with your GP about whether weight loss medication is suitable for you.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are prescription-only, once-weekly injections for weight management. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 medication with average weight loss of 15–21% in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 medication with average weight loss of around 15%. Individual results vary. Your prescriber will advise which is more suitable based on your health profile.
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.