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 Or Cardio For Weight Loss
Both weight training and cardio are effective for weight loss, but they work differently. Cardio burns calories during exercise, while weight training builds muscle that increases your resting metabolic rate. The best approach combines both alongside a healthy diet. If you're struggling with weight management, UK prescription medications are available for eligible adults. Calculate your BMI using our free tool to understand your starting point and discuss options 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.
Cardio Vs Weight Training: Evidence And Results
Cardio exercise (running, cycling, swimming) burns calories during activity and typically burns 400–600 kcal per hour depending on intensity. It's excellent for cardiovascular health and can start producing results relatively quickly.
Weight training burns fewer calories during the session (200–400 kcal per hour) but builds lean muscle. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories at rest, supporting long-term weight management.
Research shows the most effective approach combines both: cardio for immediate calorie burn and cardiovascular benefits, plus resistance training to preserve and build muscle during weight loss. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, plus strength training twice weekly.
For sustainable weight management in the UK, lifestyle changes work best when combined with support. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand how prescription medications might support your goals alongside exercise and diet changes.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss Support In The UK
For adults struggling with weight loss through exercise and diet alone, UK-licensed prescription weight loss medications are available. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) — all approved by the MHRA for weight management.
Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. NHS weight loss support is available through specialist tier 3 services, though waiting lists vary by region. Private prescribing is also available following online clinical assessment.
Prescription medication works alongside, not instead of, exercise and healthy eating. Your GP can assess whether you're eligible and which option suits your health needs.
- 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.
Is weight training or cardio better for weight loss?
Both are valuable. Cardio burns more calories during exercise, while weight training builds muscle that increases resting metabolism. Combining both with a calorie deficit produces the best long-term results. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity plus twice-weekly strength training weekly.
How much weight can you lose with exercise alone?
Weight loss depends on calorie deficit, diet quality, and consistency. Without dietary changes, exercise alone typically produces modest results (0.25–0.5 kg per week). For significant weight loss, combining exercise with a reduced-calorie diet and potentially prescription support (if eligible) is most effective.
What prescription weight loss options are available in the UK?
Three medications are licensed in the UK: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All require a prescription and clinical assessment. Eligibility is based on BMI and health conditions. Your GP can discuss whether you qualify and which option suits you.
Can I access weight loss medication on the NHS?
Yes, NHS prescription weight loss treatment is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services. Access varies by region and waiting times can be significant. Your GP can refer you. Alternatively, private prescribing is available following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber.
How long does it take to see weight loss results from exercise?
With consistent exercise and a calorie deficit, most people see measurable results within 4–6 weeks. Weight training may show slower initial scale changes but improves body composition (muscle gain offsets some fat loss). Using our free progress tracker helps you monitor changes beyond just weight, including measurements and how clothes fit.
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.