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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Weight Loss With Acid Reflux: Managing Both Safely
Losing weight when you have acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD) requires a thoughtful approach, as some weight loss methods can temporarily worsen reflux symptoms. The good news is that sustainable weight loss typically improves acid reflux long-term, since excess weight increases pressure on the stomach. This guide covers safe weight loss strategies for people with reflux, including how prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy work in this context. Always discuss any weight loss plan with your GP, especially if you're managing reflux symptoms.
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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 Weight Loss Helps Acid Reflux Long-Term
One of the most effective long-term treatments for acid reflux is sustainable weight loss. Excess weight, particularly around the stomach, increases intra-abdominal pressure, which pushes stomach contents upward and weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter (the valve that prevents reflux). Research shows that even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve reflux symptoms in many people.
NHS guidance recommends gradual weight loss at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week as the safest approach for people with existing health conditions. This measured pace gives your body time to adapt and reduces the risk of triggering acute reflux episodes. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current weight status and understand what a healthy weight range looks like for your height. Many people find that once they reach a BMI in the healthy range (18.5–24.9), reflux symptoms improve noticeably or resolve entirely.
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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.
Managing Weight Loss When Reflux Is Active
During the weight loss process itself, certain methods can temporarily worsen reflux. Very low-calorie diets (under 800 kcal daily) can trigger reflux because they alter stomach acid production and slow gastric emptying. gradual weight management also increases the risk of gallstones, which can cause additional digestive discomfort. Instead, aim for a moderate calorie deficit—approximately 500 kcal below your daily needs—which typically results in gradual, sustainable loss of around 0.5 kg weekly.
Dietary choices matter too: avoid large meals (eat smaller, frequent meals instead), reduce trigger foods like spicy dishes, fatty foods, chocolate, and caffeine, and don't eat close to bedtime. If you're considering prescription weight loss medication as part of nhs weight loss support or private prescription weight loss options, discuss potential reflux interactions with your prescriber—some medications can affect stomach acid or digestion in ways relevant to your reflux management.
- 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 Wegovy make acid reflux worse?
Wegovy (semaglutide) may cause indigestion or acid reflux as a side effect in some people, particularly during dose escalation. However, clinical trial data shows this is usually mild and temporary. If you have existing acid reflux, inform your prescriber—they can monitor you and manage symptoms. For many people, long-term weight loss from Wegovy improves reflux despite short-term side effects.
Can I use GLP-1 weight loss medication if I have GORD?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy slow gastric emptying, which can theoretically worsen reflux in some people. However, they're not contraindicated in GORD—many people with reflux use them successfully. Your prescriber will assess your individual reflux history and can advise whether it's safe for you. Always disclose existing acid reflux when seeking prescription weight loss.
What's the best diet for weight loss with acid reflux?
Eat smaller, frequent meals rather than large ones. Prioritise low-fat, non-acidic foods. Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, caffeinated). Include lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. Don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime. These habits reduce reflux whilst supporting the calorie deficit needed for sustainable glp-1 weight loss and general weight management uk strategies.
How long does it take for reflux to improve after weight loss?
Some people notice improvement within weeks of losing 5–10% of body weight. For others, it takes several months of sustained weight loss. The timeline varies based on reflux severity and how much weight you need to lose. Use our progress tracker to monitor both weight changes and reflux symptom improvements over time.
Should I avoid weight loss injections if I have acid reflux?
Not necessarily. Prescription weight loss medication nhs specialists and private prescribers can manage reflux risk. The key is transparency—tell your prescriber about your reflux history so they can choose the right medication, monitor you closely, and adjust doses if needed. Many people with reflux successfully lose weight using evidence-based prescription treatment.
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.