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
Home Workout Programs for Weight Loss in the UK
A home workout program can be an effective part of your weight management strategy, helping you build fitness and burn calories without needing a gym membership. However, exercise alone often isn't enough for significant weight loss. Many UK adults find that combining regular physical activity with other approaches—including dietary changes and, where eligible, prescription weight loss medication—delivers better, more sustainable results. This guide explains how home workouts fit into a broader weight management plan and what prescription options are available to you through the NHS or private prescribing.
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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.
UK Prescription Weight Loss Options for Home Workout Support
If you're following a home workout program and looking for additional support, three prescription medications are licensed in the UK for weight management: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Mounjaro and Wegovy are once-weekly injections; Saxenda is a daily injection.
In clinical trials, these medications helped participants lose an average of 15–21% of their body weight when combined with reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity—exactly the type of lifestyle you're building through your home workout program. They work by reducing appetite, helping you feel fuller after smaller meals, and supporting better food choices alongside your exercise routine.
Eligibility in the UK requires:
- BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease)
- Lower BMI thresholds may apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults due to higher health risks at lower weights
- Adults aged 18 and above
- Assessment by a qualified prescriber
Use our free BMI calculator above to check whether you might be eligible, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses.
Weight 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 Access vs Private Prescribing in the UK
NHS route: Prescription weight loss medication is available through tier 3 specialist weight management services. You'll need a referral from your GP, who can assess whether you're eligible. NHS access varies significantly by region—some areas have waiting lists of several months or longer. This is the free option if you can access it in your area.
Private route: You can access prescription weight loss medication through a UK-licensed online prescriber without an NHS referral. Following an online clinical assessment, a prescription is issued and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Costs typically range from £129–£320 per month depending on dose. This option offers quicker access but involves out-of-pocket costs.
Next step: Talk to your GP about your home workout program and weight loss goals. They can discuss eligibility, help you explore NHS options, or support you in choosing private prescribing if it's right for you. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor both fitness and weight changes over time.
- 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.
Can I lose weight with home workouts alone without medication?
Yes, home workouts combined with a reduced-calorie diet can support weight loss. However, results are often modest. Adding prescription weight loss medication (if you're eligible) can significantly enhance results. The most effective approach combines exercise, dietary changes, and medication where appropriate. Talk to your GP about what's right for you.
How does prescription weight loss medication work with exercise?
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy reduce appetite and help you feel fuller, making it easier to stick to a calorie deficit while exercising. They don't replace exercise—they support it by reducing cravings and hunger, which helps you maintain the energy and motivation needed for regular home workouts.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
You're potentially eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Lower BMI thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults. Use our free BMI calculator on this page to check your BMI, then ask your GP about eligibility.
Can I get weight loss injections through the NHS, or do I need to pay privately?
Both options exist in the UK. NHS access is through tier 3 specialist weight management services (requires GP referral), but availability and waiting times vary by region. Private prescribing is faster but costs £129–£320 monthly. Your GP can advise which route is best for you.
How quickly will I see weight loss results from medication alongside my home workout program?
Results vary between individuals. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% over several months when medication was combined with diet and exercise. Weight loss typically begins within the first few weeks, but the most dramatic changes occur over 3–6 months. Use our weight loss calculator to explore realistic projections.
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.