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
Will GERD Cause Weight Loss?
GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can potentially lead to weight loss in some people, but this is not assured and depends on individual circumstances. If acid reflux symptoms are severe, they may reduce appetite, make eating uncomfortable, or limit food intake—which could result in unintended weight loss. However, GERD itself is not a reliable or safe weight management method. If you're experiencing unexplained weight loss alongside reflux symptoms, it's important to speak with your GP to rule out underlying health conditions and ensure you're eating enough to maintain your health.
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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 GERD Affects Eating and Weight
GERD can impact weight through several pathways. Reduced appetite: Persistent heartburn and discomfort can suppress hunger signals, leading to smaller meals and lower overall calorie intake. Difficulty swallowing: Some people with severe reflux experience pain when eating, which may discourage food intake. Food avoidance: People often restrict certain foods (spicy, fatty, acidic) to manage symptoms, which can reduce total calorie intake. Unpleasant eating experience: Nausea or chest discomfort during meals may make eating less appealing.
However, weight loss from GERD is usually unintended and may signal inadequate nutrition. GERD alone is not an effective weight management strategy. If you're concerned about weight loss alongside reflux symptoms, your GP can assess whether your symptoms are affecting your ability to eat enough and may refer you to a gastroenterologist or dietitian for support.
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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.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your GP if you experience:
- Unexplained weight loss (more than a few pounds unintentionally)
- Persistent GERD symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks despite over-the-counter antacids
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Severe chest pain or discomfort
- Signs of malnutrition (fatigue, weakness, hair loss)
Your GP can arrange tests to assess your oesophagus and stomach health, prescribe stronger reflux medication if needed, and ensure weight loss is intentional and healthy. If you're considering prescription weight management options for sustainable weight loss, your GP can assess your eligibility and discuss appropriate treatments alongside lifestyle changes.
- 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 GERD alone cause significant weight loss?
GERD can contribute to unintended weight loss if symptoms are severe enough to reduce appetite or make eating painful. However, significant weight loss usually indicates other underlying factors. Speak with your GP if you've lost weight unexpectedly alongside reflux symptoms—they can investigate the cause and ensure you're maintaining adequate nutrition.
Is losing weight a way to manage GERD?
Yes, losing weight can help reduce GERD symptoms in people who are overweight or obese. Excess weight increases pressure on the stomach, worsening reflux. Conversely, intentional, healthy weight loss through diet and exercise may ease symptoms. Use our free BMI calculator to check your weight category and discuss safe weight loss options with your GP.
What foods should I avoid if I have GERD and want to lose weight safely?
Common GERD triggers include spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, and acidic foods. For safe, sustainable weight loss, focus on eating smaller portions of reflux-friendly foods: lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and low-fat options. A dietitian can help you create a meal plan that manages both GERD and weight goals without compromising nutrition.
Could weight loss medication like Wegovy worsen GERD?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy can cause nausea and digestive changes in some people, which may feel similar to GERD symptoms. If you have existing GERD, inform your prescriber before starting any weight loss medication. They can assess whether a GLP-1 injection is suitable for you and monitor your symptoms carefully during treatment. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you explore whether this approach is appropriate for your situation.
How much weight loss is healthy and how should I track it?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable results. gradual weight management is not recommended. To track your progress safely, use our free progress tracker to log weight changes over time, and discuss your weight management plan with your GP or a registered dietitian to ensure you're meeting nutritional needs whilst managing GERD.
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.