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 Balloon — What You Need to Know
A weight loss balloon is a minimally invasive medical device designed to help with weight management in the UK. A deflated silicone balloon is swallowed or placed during an endoscopy, then inflated in the stomach to reduce appetite and help you feel fuller with smaller meals. Unlike prescription weight loss medications, balloons are temporary interventions typically removed after 6–12 months. This guide explains how weight loss balloons work, what to expect, and how they compare to other weight management options available on the NHS and privately.
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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.
How Weight Loss Balloons Work
A weight loss balloon takes up space in your stomach, reducing the amount of food you can comfortably eat at one time. This helps create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss. The balloon works alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — it is not a standalone solution.
- Insertion: The balloon is placed via endoscopy under sedation (a thin tube passed down the throat). This typically takes 20–30 minutes.
- Duration: Most balloons remain in place for 6 months, though some are designed for up to 12 months.
- Removal: The balloon is deflated and removed via endoscopy, also under sedation.
The balloon does not absorb into the body — it must be removed. Weight loss typically ranges from 10–15% of body weight during the balloon period, though individual results vary. After removal, maintaining weight loss requires ongoing dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.
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.
Weight Loss Balloon vs. Other Options in the UK
Weight loss balloons are one of several options for weight management in the UK. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists that reduce appetite through a different mechanism and do not require surgery or endoscopy. These are injections taken once weekly.
Use our free BMI calculator to assess your current weight category and explore what options might be suitable for you. Your GP or a specialist weight management service can advise on whether a balloon, prescription medication, or a combination approach is right for your circumstances. NHS weight management services (tier 3/4) may offer balloons in some regions, though availability varies by area and funding.
Key differences: balloons are temporary and invasive (requiring endoscopy), while GLP-1 injections are non-invasive and ongoing. Balloons have lower cost upfront but require two procedures (insertion and removal). GLP-1 medications work differently — they act on appetite regulation centres in the brain rather than physically limiting stomach space. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential results with prescription medication, allowing you to compare outcomes with balloon therapy. Both require commitment to lifestyle changes alongside the treatment itself.
- 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 can you lose with a weight loss balloon?
Clinical evidence suggests patients lose approximately 10–15% of their body weight during the 6–12 month balloon period. Individual results vary significantly based on diet adherence, activity level, and starting weight. Our BMI calculator can help you estimate a healthy weight loss target based on your current measurements.
Are weight loss balloons available on the NHS in the UK?
Some NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3/4) may offer gastric balloons, but availability varies considerably by region and local funding. Your GP can refer you to your local weight management service to discuss options. Many patients access balloons privately through private hospitals and clinics.
What are the risks and side effects of a weight loss balloon?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, especially in the first 2–4 weeks. Serious but rare complications include balloon deflation, intestinal obstruction, or perforation. Your healthcare provider will discuss all risks during your consultation and monitor you throughout the procedure.
How does a weight loss balloon compare to Mounjaro or Wegovy injections?
Balloons are temporary (6–12 months) and invasive, requiring endoscopy procedures. Mounjaro and Wegovy are non-invasive GLP-1 injections taken weekly. Both work best alongside diet and exercise. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with prescription medication for comparison.
What happens to weight after a weight loss balloon is removed?
Weight loss is maintained only if dietary changes and exercise habits continue after removal. Without ongoing lifestyle modification, weight regain is common. This is why weight management UK services emphasize behavioural change alongside any medical intervention, whether balloons or prescription medications.
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.