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
Does Cabbage Soup Help You Lose Weight?
The cabbage soup diet is a short-term, low-calorie eating plan that's been popular for decades, but scientific evidence for lasting weight loss is limited. While cabbage soup itself is nutritious and low in calories, the diet's restrictive nature means any weight loss is typically water loss and muscle loss rather than sustainable fat loss. For genuine, long-term weight management in the UK, evidence-based approaches combining healthy eating, physical activity, and—where appropriate—professional support tend to be far more effective.
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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 the Cabbage Soup Diet Works
The cabbage soup diet is typically a seven-day plan where you eat primarily cabbage soup alongside limited other foods like fruit, vegetables, and lean protein. The appeal is its simplicity: cabbage is low in calories (around 25 calories per 100g), high in fibre, and filling. However, the diet is extremely restrictive, often providing just 800–1,200 calories per day—well below healthy recommendations.
Any weight loss achieved is usually rapid but comes from:
- Water loss from low carbohydrate intake
- Muscle loss from inadequate protein and calories
- Glycogen depletion (stored carbohydrate in muscles)
These changes reverse quickly when normal eating resumes. The NHS and registered dietitians do not recommend very low calorie diets without medical supervision, as they can cause fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.
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.
Sustainable Weight Loss Alternatives
For lasting weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through a modest calorie deficit of around 500 calories daily, alongside increased physical activity. This preserves muscle and supports long-term success. Our free BMI calculator can help you establish your current weight status and healthy target range.
If you're significantly overweight or have weight-related health conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea—your GP can discuss evidence-based options including structured weight management programmes, lifestyle coaching, or prescription weight loss medication where appropriate. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore what results might be realistic with medical support.
- 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.
Will I keep the weight off after the cabbage soup diet?
Most people regain the weight quickly because the diet causes water and muscle loss, not fat loss. When you return to normal eating, water and glycogen are replenished, and the weight returns. Sustainable weight loss requires lasting lifestyle changes, not restrictive short-term diets.
Is cabbage soup actually low in calories?
Yes, cabbage soup itself is very low in calories—typically 40–80 calories per bowl depending on broth and added vegetables. However, the diet's extreme restriction creates an unsustainable calorie deficit that isn't recommended by the NHS without medical supervision.
Can I eat cabbage soup as part of a balanced diet?
Absolutely. Cabbage is nutritious, rich in vitamin C and fibre, and low in calories. Including it in a balanced, varied diet is healthy. The problem is using it as the sole food source, which lacks essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and minerals.
What does the NHS recommend for safe weight loss?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week through a calorie deficit of around 500 calories daily, combined with regular physical activity. This preserves muscle, supports metabolism, and is sustainable long-term. Your GP can refer you to specialist weight management services if needed.
Are there evidence-based alternatives to restrictive diets?
Yes. The Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting (16:8), structured calorie reduction, and—where clinically appropriate—prescription weight loss medication all have strong evidence. For personalised advice, consult your GP or a registered dietitian. Our weight loss calculator can help you explore realistic expectations.
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.