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 By Lifting in the UK
Lifting weights is an effective way to support weight loss and improve overall fitness. Unlike cardio alone, strength training builds muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate and helps your body burn more calories throughout the day. Combined with a reduced-calorie diet, lifting can accelerate fat loss whilst preserving lean tissue. For eligible adults in the UK, prescription weight management options like Mounjaro and Wegovy are also available alongside exercise to support sustainable results. This guide covers how lifting helps weight loss, and what medication options may be right 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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For adults struggling with weight management in the UK, three prescription-only medications are currently licensed for weight loss: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications that help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals.
- Mounjaro: Once-weekly injection, dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy: Once-weekly injection, GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical evidence from the STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight.
- Saxenda: Daily injection, GLP-1 agonist. Slower uptake than weekly options but effective for eligible individuals.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Prescription weight loss in the UK is available through NHS specialist weight management services or private online prescribing following a consultation with a licensed prescriber.
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 — Finding Out If You're Eligible
NHS weight loss medication is available through tier 3 specialist weight management services. However, NHS access varies by region and can involve waiting lists. To find out if you're eligible, speak to your GP about a referral to your local specialist weight management service.
Private access is available more immediately through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following a clinical assessment. Eligibility generally requires a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
When combined with strength training and a reduced-calorie diet, GLP-1 weight loss medication may help accelerate results. Calculate your current BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand your starting point, and discuss your options with your GP or a licensed prescriber.
- 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.
Does lifting weights alone cause weight loss without changing diet?
Strength training increases muscle mass, which boosts your resting metabolic rate and daily calorie burn. However, without a calorie deficit, weight loss typically won't occur. Lifting is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. For significant results, many people benefit from both lifestyle changes and, if eligible, prescription support.
Can I take weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy whilst lifting weights?
Yes. In fact, combining strength training with GLP-1 medication may optimise results. Prescription weight loss medications work alongside exercise and diet. However, it's important to maintain adequate protein intake when lifting whilst taking GLP-1 medication, as these drugs can reduce appetite. Consult your prescriber or GP for personalised guidance.
How much weight can I expect to lose by lifting and dieting without medication?
Results vary based on current weight, age, diet consistency, and lifting intensity. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg per week through a 500 kcal daily deficit. Lifting helps preserve muscle during weight loss. For faster results or if you have a BMI over 30, discuss prescription options with your GP.
Am I eligible for NHS weight loss medication if I exercise regularly?
NHS eligibility for prescription weight loss medication is based on BMI and health conditions, not exercise level. You're typically eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions. Exercise is beneficial alongside medication but doesn't change eligibility criteria. Your GP can assess you individually.
What's the best way to track progress when lifting and losing weight?
Track both weight and body measurements using our free progress tracker on this site. Also monitor strength gains (how much you can lift) — this often improves even as weight drops, indicating muscle is being preserved. BMI changes can also help show health improvements. Combine metrics for a complete picture of progress.
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.