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
Do Weighted Vests Help With Weight Loss?
A weighted vest alone won't cause weight loss, but it can be a useful tool to increase calorie burn during exercise. Weighted vests add resistance to your movements, requiring your muscles to work harder and your body to expend more energy. However, sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit — burning more calories than you consume — alongside physical activity. In the UK, the NHS recommends combining any exercise approach with dietary changes and, if appropriate, professional weight management support through a GP referral.
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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.
How Weighted Vests Affect Calorie Burn
When you wear a weighted vest, your body must expend additional energy to move against the added weight. This increases calorie expenditure during exercise — a process called increased metabolic demand. The effect is proportional: heavier vests require more effort, so they burn more calories than lighter vests.
- A 10kg weighted vest can increase calorie burn by approximately 5–10% during exercise, depending on your fitness level and activity intensity
- The effect is most noticeable during cardio activities like running or walking, and resistance training
- Weighted vests do not burn calories while resting — they only increase calorie burn during active exercise
- For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day, resulting in around 0.5 kg weight loss per week
Weighted vests work best as part of a comprehensive weight management UK strategy that includes dietary changes and regular physical activity.
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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.
Weighted Vests vs. Comprehensive Weight Management
While weighted vests can boost calorie expenditure during exercise, they are not a standalone weight loss solution. Effective weight loss requires combining multiple approaches: calorie reduction, increased physical activity, and sustained lifestyle changes. For some individuals, especially those with obesity or weight-related health conditions, NHS weight loss services — including prescription weight management options — may be recommended by your GP.
- Weighted vests suit people who already exercise regularly and want to increase workout intensity
- They are not suitable during pregnancy or for people with certain back or joint conditions — consult your GP first
- They work best alongside healthy eating, not instead of it
- Track your progress using evidence-based tools like BMI monitoring to assess overall weight management success
- 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 lose weight just by wearing a weighted vest?
No. A weighted vest alone will not cause weight loss because it only increases calorie burn during active exercise. Weight loss requires a sustained calorie deficit through both reduced food intake and increased physical activity. Wearing a weighted vest while sedentary burns negligible extra calories. It works best as part of a broader weight management strategy.
How much weight can I lose using a weighted vest?
Weight loss depends on your overall calorie deficit, not the weighted vest alone. If a weighted vest helps you exercise more intensely and you maintain a calorie deficit, you might see modest additional loss compared to exercise without a vest. However, individual results vary. Use our free progress tracker to monitor your weight loss journey alongside exercise and dietary changes.
Is it safe to exercise with a weighted vest every day?
Daily weighted vest use is safe for most people, but gradual progression is recommended. Start with lighter vests and fewer days per week, allowing your muscles and joints to adapt. People with back problems, joint pain, or certain medical conditions should consult their GP before starting. Proper form during exercise is essential to prevent injury.
What's the difference between a weighted vest and other weight loss methods?
Weighted vests increase calorie burn during exercise but don't address appetite or food intake. In contrast, prescription weight management medications like GLP-1 injections work through appetite regulation and metabolic support. Your GP can assess which approaches suit your individual health needs and weight loss goals.
Should I use a weighted vest instead of seeing my GP about weight loss?
No. Weighted vests are a supplementary exercise tool, not a substitute for professional weight management support. If you're overweight or obese, the NHS recommends discussing your weight with your GP. They can assess your health, refer you to tier 3 weight management services if appropriate, and discuss options including lifestyle changes, dietary support, or prescription medications.
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.