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 — A UK Health Guide
Weight training is an effective component of a weight loss strategy, helping to build muscle, boost metabolism, and improve overall health. In the UK, effective weight management typically combines exercise, dietary changes, and sometimes prescription medication. Whether you're starting a fitness routine or exploring medical support, this guide covers evidence-based approaches to weight loss—including workout strategies and prescription weight management options now available through the NHS and privately. Your GP can help you decide what's right for your circumstances.
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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-Licensed Prescription Weight Management Options
For adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, prescription weight loss medications are now available in the UK. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide)—all licensed for weight management in UK adults.
- Mounjaro: A dual GIP and GLP-1 injection (2.5–15 mg once weekly). Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight.
- Wegovy: A GLP-1 injection (0.25–2.4 mg once weekly). Average weight loss was approximately 15% in clinical trials.
- Saxenda: A GLP-1 injection (0.6–3 mg once daily). Often used alongside lifestyle changes including weight training and dietary adjustment.
These medications work best alongside reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity (including weight training), and behaviour change. Individual results vary significantly. All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment before being prescribed.
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 in the UK
In the UK, prescription weight loss medications are accessed through two routes: the NHS or private prescription services.
NHS access: Referral to a specialist tier 3 weight management service through your GP. Availability varies significantly by region—waiting lists can be several months in many areas. You'll be assessed for eligibility based on BMI and health conditions.
Private access: Available through online prescribing services following a clinical consultation. No NHS referral needed, but costs vary (typically £129–£320 per month depending on dose). Your GP can still monitor your progress.
Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore potential outcomes at different doses. Use our BMI calculator to check your current BMI and eligibility threshold—a useful starting point for conversations with your GP about weight management UK options.
- 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 weight training alone cause weight loss?
Weight training alone is unlikely to cause significant weight loss without a calorie deficit. However, building muscle increases resting metabolic rate, making a calorie deficit easier to maintain. Weight training is most effective alongside dietary changes and cardiovascular exercise.
How does prescription weight loss medication work with exercise?
GLP-1 medications (like Wegovy and Mounjaro) reduce appetite and support feeling fuller, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit while exercising. They are designed to be used alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not instead of lifestyle changes.
Am I eligible for NHS weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Ask your GP about referral to specialist weight management services, though availability varies by region.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injections licensed in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1) and showed average weight loss of 15–21%. Wegovy (semaglutide) activates GLP-1 alone with approximately 15% average weight loss. Clinical trial results varied between individuals.
How quickly can I expect weight loss with prescription medication?
Weight loss typically becomes noticeable after 4–8 weeks, with most significant loss between weeks 12–52. The NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. Results vary based on dose, lifestyle changes, and individual metabolism. Track your progress with our free progress tracker.
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.