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 For Belly Fat β What Works
Belly fat, also called visceral fat, is particularly harmful to health because it surrounds your organs and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The good news is that weight lossβespecially through a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and in some cases prescription medicationβcan help reduce belly fat effectively. This guide explains what belly fat is, why it's a health concern, and the evidence-based approaches available to UK adults.
10,000+ calculations today Β· NHS-aligned thresholds Β· 100% free
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/mΒ²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure β it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution β 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 β 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.
Why Belly Fat Is a Health Priority
Visceral fatβthe deep belly fat around your organsβis metabolically active and releases compounds that increase inflammation and affect blood sugar control. Even people with a normal BMI can carry excess visceral fat, which is why waist measurement matters as much as weight. The NHS recommends checking your waist circumference: men should aim for under 94cm (37 inches), and women under 80cm (31.5 inches). Above these thresholds, health risks increase significantly.
Belly fat is linked to:
- Type 2 diabetes (up to 5Γ higher risk)
- Cardiovascular disease and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Fatty liver disease
- Certain cancers
- Sleep apnoea
Even modest weight lossβas little as 5β10% of body weightβcan reduce visceral fat and improve these health markers. Calculate your current BMI using our free BMI calculator above to understand your personal health context.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care β 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 β 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 β completely free.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Belly Fat Loss
Belly fat typically responds well to weight management that combines diet and exercise. NHS guidance emphasises a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day, which supports losing approximately 0.5kg per week. Aerobic exercise and strength training are particularly effective at targeting visceral fat. For eligible UK adults, prescription weight loss medication like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may be recommended by a GP or specialist. These GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite and support sustainable weight loss alongside lifestyle changes. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes. Always consult your GP about the best approach for your individual situation.
- 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 β 5mg β 7.5mg β 10mg β 12.5mg β 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15β17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg β 0.5mg β 1mg β 1.7mg β 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 | 15β22.5% | 12β17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20β32 weeks | 16β20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | Β£150βΒ£250/month | Β£150βΒ£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 β 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.
What's the difference between belly fat and overall body fat?
Belly fat, specifically visceral fat, wraps around your organs and is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat under your skin. Visceral fat releases inflammatory compounds and affects insulin resistance more directly. You can have a normal BMI but still carry unhealthy levels of belly fat, which is why waist measurement is important alongside weight.
Can you lose belly fat without losing weight everywhere else?
Weight loss is a whole-body process you cannot target specific areas. However, visceral belly fat often reduces first when you lose weight through diet and exercise. Combining aerobic activity with strength training helps preserve muscle while losing fat, making the process more effective.
How quickly can I expect belly fat to reduce?
Visible reduction typically takes 4β8 weeks of consistent calorie deficit and exercise. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5β1kg per week of weight loss. Visceral fat loss may precede visible changes to your appearance, which is why taking waist measurements is useful alongside weighing yourself.
Are prescription weight loss injections effective for belly fat?
Clinical trials show that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro may help reduce overall weight, including belly fat. In the STEP-1 trial, semaglutide users lost an average of 14.9% of body weight. Results vary individually and work best alongside diet and exercise changes.
Should I see my GP before starting a weight loss programme?
Yes. Your GP can assess your individual health, rule out underlying medical conditions, and discuss whether prescription medication might be appropriate. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI, then discuss the results with your GP as a starting point for conversation about weight management options.
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.