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 Loss and Blood Pressure — The Connection Explained
Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, which is why high blood pressure (hypertension) is closely linked to being overweight. The good news is that losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly reduce your blood pressure. In fact, research shows that a 5–10% reduction in body weight can lower blood pressure by several points. This guide explains how weight and BP are connected, what weight management approaches work, and when prescription support might be an option for you.
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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.
How Excess Weight Affects Blood Pressure
When you carry excess weight, your body has more tissue to supply with blood, which means your heart has to work harder. This increased workload raises the pressure exerted on your artery walls — your blood pressure. Excess weight is also linked to several factors that worsen hypertension: increased insulin resistance, sodium retention by the kidneys, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases heart rate and vessel constriction.
Importantly, weight-related high blood pressure is often reversible. The NHS recognises that weight management is a frontline treatment for hypertension. Research published in clinical trials has consistently shown that losing 10% of your body weight can reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 5–20 mmHg, depending on your starting weight and other health factors. This is comparable to the effect of some blood pressure medications.
If you're overweight or obese (BMI 25 or above), checking your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current weight category and set a realistic weight loss target with your GP.
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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.
Weight Loss Approaches and Blood Pressure Management
The NHS recommends a sustained weight loss rate of 0.5–1 kg per week as both effective and sustainable. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day alongside increased physical activity. Dietary approaches that support blood pressure reduction include the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), the Mediterranean diet, and reducing salt intake to under 6 grams daily.
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions like high blood pressure, prescription weight loss medication may be available through NHS weight management services or private prescribing. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential outcomes with prescription support. Weight loss medications work alongside lifestyle changes — not instead of them — and may help support the dietary and activity changes needed for sustained blood pressure improvement.
- 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 loss is needed to lower blood pressure?
A 5–10% reduction in body weight typically lowers blood pressure significantly. For example, losing 5–10 kg if you weigh 100 kg can reduce systolic BP by 5–20 mmHg. Even modest weight loss produces measurable improvements in most people.
Is weight loss more effective than blood pressure medication?
Weight loss and medication work differently. Weight loss addresses the underlying cause and can reduce or eliminate the need for medication in some people. Your GP should guide you on whether lifestyle changes alone are sufficient or if medication is needed alongside weight loss.
Can I lose weight and lower BP through diet alone?
Yes. A calorie deficit of around 500 kcal daily, combined with reduced salt intake and the DASH or Mediterranean diet approach, can lower BP significantly. Physical activity also helps. Your GP can advise on the best approach for you.
What if I need prescription support for weight loss?
Prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections are available to adults meeting NHS or private prescribing eligibility criteria. These must be prescribed after clinical assessment and work best alongside dietary changes and physical activity for sustainable results.
How often should I check my blood pressure during weight loss?
If you're already taking BP medication, your GP should monitor your BP regularly during weight loss, as your medication dose may need adjustment as your weight decreases. Home BP monitoring can also be helpful — ask your GP for guidance.
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.