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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Weight Loss Balloons — Reviews and UK Health Information
Weight loss balloons (also called gastric balloons) are medical devices placed in the stomach to help people feel fuller faster. They're available in the UK but are less commonly used than prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro. This guide explains how they work, their effectiveness based on real-world reviews, potential risks, and how they compare to other weight management approaches. If you're exploring weight loss options in the UK, it's important to understand all available approaches and discuss suitability with your GP.
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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 is a silicone balloon inserted into your stomach during a short procedure. Once in place, it's filled with saline or gas, taking up space and creating a feeling of fullness with smaller meals. This supports eating less and may help with weight management when combined with dietary changes.
The procedure:
- Inserted via endoscopy (a thin tube passed down your throat)
- Takes 15–20 minutes under sedation
- No surgery required
- Can be left in place for 6–12 months depending on type
Reviews from people who've had balloons typically mention reduced appetite and portion control as key benefits. However, results vary significantly between individuals, and lifestyle changes remain essential. Unlike prescription weight loss injections such as Wegovy, which work through hormone pathways, balloons work purely mechanically.
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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.
Effectiveness, Risks, and Realistic Outcomes
Clinical reviews show weight loss balloons may help people lose an average of 5–8 kg over 6 months, though individual outcomes vary widely. Most reviews emphasize that balloons alone don't work without dietary changes and increased physical activity.
Common side effects reported in reviews include:
- Nausea and stomach discomfort (especially in first weeks)
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
Serious risks, though rare, include balloon deflation, migration, or gastric perforation. The balloon is temporary — once removed, there's nothing to support continued healthy eating habits unless lifestyle changes have been embedded. This is why NHS weight loss guidance emphasizes combining any intervention with sustainable behaviour change and support.
Balloons versus prescription medications: Balloons provide mechanical fullness. Prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) work through GLP-1 hormone pathways to reduce appetite naturally. Both require commitment to healthier eating and exercise. Balloons are reversible and temporary (removed after 6–12 months). Medications can be continued long-term if beneficial. In the UK, balloons are typically available privately; Wegovy is available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. Your GP can help you explore which approach suits your circumstances, health, and preferences.
- 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.
Are weight loss balloons available on the NHS?
Weight loss balloons are not routinely available on the NHS. They're offered privately through select clinics in the UK at a cost of £3,000–£5,000+. NHS weight management support prioritizes lifestyle interventions, referral to specialist services, and prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy where clinically appropriate.
How much weight do people lose with a balloon?
Reviews show average weight loss of 5–8 kg over 6 months, though results vary. Weight loss depends on your starting weight, dietary adherence, exercise, and individual metabolism. Most reviews emphasize that balloons work best alongside calorie reduction and physical activity, not as a standalone solution.
What happens after the balloon is removed?
Once the balloon is removed (usually after 6–12 months), your stomach returns to normal. If healthy eating habits haven't been established, weight may return. This is why NHS guidance emphasizes combining any intervention with sustainable lifestyle change and ongoing support.
How do balloons compare to weight loss injections like Wegovy?
Balloons work mechanically to create fullness. Wegovy (semaglutide) works through GLP-1 hormone pathways to reduce appetite naturally. Both require healthy eating and exercise. Balloons are temporary and private. Wegovy is available long-term through NHS services or private prescribing and requires a prescription following clinical assessment.
What are the main risks of weight loss balloons?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Serious risks, though rare, include balloon deflation, migration, or stomach perforation requiring emergency surgery. Discuss full risks with your clinic before any procedure. Your GP can provide independent medical advice about safety.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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