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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Do Vibration Plates Help With Weight Loss?
Vibration plates are marketed as weight loss tools, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited. While they may support muscle engagement and circulation, vibration plates alone are unlikely to create the calorie deficit needed for meaningful weight loss. For sustainable weight management in the UK, evidence-based approaches—including dietary changes, physical activity, and prescription weight loss medication when appropriate—remain the most effective strategies. This guide explores what vibration plates can and cannot do, and how they fit into a broader weight management approach.
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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 Vibration Plates Work and Their Limitations
Vibration plates operate by creating rapid oscillations that cause your muscles to contract reflexively. The theory is that this passive muscle engagement burns calories and improves strength without the effort of traditional exercise. However, research published in peer-reviewed journals shows vibration plates produce minimal calorie burn compared to active exercise. A typical 10-minute vibration plate session may burn only 20–40 calories—far less than brisk walking or cycling.
The main limitations are clear:
- Minimal cardiovascular benefit — heart rate elevation is insufficient for aerobic conditioning
- Limited muscle activation compared to resistance training or weight-bearing exercise
- No calorie deficit created without dietary changes
- Evidence does not support weight loss claims in clinical studies
Some research suggests vibration plates may help with bone density and balance in older adults, but weight loss is not an evidence-based use. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends combining dietary changes with at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
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.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss Approaches That Work
Creating a calorie deficit remains the foundation of weight loss—you must burn more calories than you consume. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5–1 kg per week, which typically requires a deficit of around 500 calories daily through diet and exercise combined.
Effective methods include dietary changes (Mediterranean diet, reduced-calorie approaches), regular physical activity (150 minutes moderate exercise weekly), and for eligible adults, prescription weight loss medication. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to understand your current weight status. For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, prescription options like GLP-1 injections may be appropriate following assessment by your GP. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes when combined with lifestyle changes.
- 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.
Do vibration plates burn calories?
Vibration plates do burn some calories, but very few—typically 20–40 per 10-minute session. This is significantly less than walking, cycling, or strength training. They cannot create a meaningful calorie deficit on their own, which is essential for weight loss.
Can vibration plates replace exercise for weight loss?
No. Vibration plates should not replace traditional exercise. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly for health benefits. Vibration plates lack the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of active exercise and cannot substitute for it in a weight loss plan.
Are vibration plates helpful for any health benefit?
Some research suggests vibration plates may help with balance and bone density in older adults, and they might assist muscle engagement during rehabilitation. However, weight loss is not supported by evidence. If you're interested in vibration plates, discuss their use with your GP in the context of your overall fitness goals.
What's the most effective way to lose weight in the UK?
Sustainable weight loss combines dietary changes, regular physical activity, and behavioural support. For adults who qualify, prescription weight loss medication prescribed through your GP or specialist services can be helpful alongside lifestyle changes. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results.
What should I do if vibration plates aren't working for weight loss?
Focus on evidence-based approaches: create a calorie deficit through diet and exercise, increase physical activity to 150+ minutes weekly, and consult your GP about weight management support. If you have a BMI of 30 or above or 27+ with health conditions, ask about prescription weight loss options available through NHS specialist services or private assessment.
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.