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 Training for Weight Loss for Women in the UK
Weight training is an effective component of weight loss for women, helping build muscle, boost metabolism, and improve body composition. Combined with healthy eating and — for eligible women — prescription weight management medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, resistance exercise can support sustainable results. This guide covers how strength training fits into a weight loss plan, UK prescription options available, and how to discuss treatment eligibility with your GP.
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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 Management Options for Women
For women looking to optimise weight loss alongside exercise, the UK has several prescription weight management medications available following clinical assessment:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Clinical trials showed women lost an average of 15–21% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. Evidence from the STEP trials demonstrated average weight loss of around 15% body weight alongside diet and exercise.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection, another licensed option for weight loss in the UK.
All are prescription-only medicines requiring a clinical assessment. Eligibility typically includes: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses alongside your training routine.
Clinically BackedWeight 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 vs Private Access and Getting Started
In the UK, prescription weight loss medications are available through two routes:
- NHS — referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP. Access varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy.
- Private — online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. No NHS referral required.
To find out if you're eligible, book an appointment with your GP and discuss your weight loss goals, current health conditions, and interest in prescription support. Your GP can assess your BMI using our free BMI calculator and explore what's available in your area. Prescription medications work best alongside the strength training and dietary changes you're already committed to — they're a tool to support your efforts, not a replacement for them.
- 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 use weight training alone for weight loss without medication?
Yes, weight training combined with a calorie deficit and healthy eating can support weight loss without medication. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with health conditions, prescription options may accelerate results when combined with exercise and diet. Your GP can advise what's right for you.
How much weight can I expect to lose with Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Clinical trials showed average weight losses of 15–21% for Mounjaro and around 15% for Wegovy over several months, alongside diet and exercise. Individual results vary significantly based on adherence, lifestyle changes, and personal metabolism. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can show projected outcomes.
Is prescription weight loss medication available on the NHS for women?
Yes, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are NHS-approved. Access is through specialist tier 3 weight management services — ask your GP for a referral. Regional availability and waiting times vary. Private options are also available without NHS referral.
What side effects might I experience with GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort — often improving over time as your body adjusts. Most women tolerate these well, particularly if doses are increased gradually. Discuss concerns with your prescriber; they can adjust your dose if needed.
How do weight training and GLP-1 medication work together for weight loss?
Weight training builds and preserves muscle during weight loss, boosting metabolism and improving body composition. GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and support a calorie deficit, making it easier to stick to your diet. Together, they can optimise results — muscle from training, appetite support from medication, creating sustainable 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.