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 Heart Failure: UK Health Information
Managing weight with heart failure requires careful medical supervision, as excess weight can increase strain on your heart. In the UK, the NHS recognises that weight loss may help improve heart function and reduce symptoms, but this must be done safely under GP or specialist guidance. This guide explains the evidence, safe approaches, and prescription options available to heart failure patients, including when weight loss medications may be considered as part of a broader management plan.
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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.
Safe Weight Loss Approaches for Heart Failure Patients
Heart failure and weight have a direct relationship: excess weight increases the workload on your heart and can worsen symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue. However, rapid or unsupervised weight loss can also be harmful, potentially affecting medication effectiveness or electrolyte balance. The NHS recommends weight loss of no more than 0.5–1 kg per week for heart failure patients, achieved through a combination of dietary changes, gentle physical activity as tolerated, and fluid management.
- Work with your GP or heart failure specialist to set realistic targets
- Follow NHS dietary guidance: typically low sodium, fluid-restricted diets
- Increase physical activity gradually — cardiac rehabilitation programmes are available on the NHS
- Monitor your weight regularly and report changes to your healthcare team
- Discuss any weight loss medication options with your specialist
Using your BMI as a baseline can help track progress — try our free BMI calculator to establish your starting point, then work with your GP to plan safe, sustainable weight loss.
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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.
Weight Loss Medications: Prescription Options for Heart Failure
Prescription weight loss injections, such as GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro), may be considered for heart failure patients in specialist weight management NHS services. However, these are not first-line treatments for heart failure — they're prescribed alongside standard heart failure medication only when appropriate. Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 weight loss medication, when used as part of comprehensive weight management in the UK, may support weight reduction in patients with cardiovascular conditions. Any weight loss medication requires a full clinical assessment by your GP or heart specialist to ensure it's safe with your existing heart failure treatments.
- 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 take weight loss injections if I have heart failure?
Weight loss injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro may be considered for some heart failure patients, but only under specialist supervision. You must have a full clinical assessment from your GP or heart specialist before starting any prescription weight loss medication. These medicines are not standard heart failure treatments and require careful monitoring alongside your existing heart medications.
What's the safest rate of weight loss with heart failure?
The NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1 kg per week with heart failure. Faster weight loss can strain your heart and affect medication balance. Your GP or cardiac specialist will advise on a safe, personalised target based on your specific condition and current treatments.
Should I follow a specific diet for weight loss with heart failure?
Yes. Most heart failure patients follow low-sodium and fluid-restricted diets as advised by the NHS. Rapid calorie restriction is not recommended — instead, make gradual, sustainable dietary changes in consultation with your GP or a cardiac dietitian. Your healthcare team can provide specific guidance tailored to your heart failure management.
What role does exercise play in weight loss with heart failure?
Gentle, guided physical activity is important for weight loss and heart health with heart failure. The NHS offers cardiac rehabilitation programmes specifically designed for heart patients. Always discuss exercise plans with your GP or specialist before increasing activity, as exercise type and intensity must be tailored to your heart function.
When should I speak to my GP about weight loss options?
Speak to your GP now if you're overweight and have heart failure. Your GP can refer you to an NHS cardiac specialist or weight management service. Do not start any weight loss programme, medication, or significant dietary change without medical guidance — your heart failure medications may need adjustment alongside any weight loss.
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.