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
Workout and Weight Loss Plan: Combining Exercise with UK Medication Options
A successful weight loss plan combines regular physical activity with dietary changes—and for eligible adults, prescription medication can support your efforts. In the UK, several options are available through both the NHS and private prescribing. This guide explains how to build an effective workout and weight loss plan, what prescription options exist, and how to find out if you're eligible for medical support alongside your fitness routine.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 adults struggling with weight management in the UK, three prescription-only medications are currently licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These are used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes exercise and reduced calorie intake.
Eligibility in the UK: You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds, lower BMI thresholds apply (27.5 and above). Clinical trials show that Mounjaro helped participants lose an average of 15–21% body weight, whilst Wegovy users lost approximately 15% on average—though individual results vary significantly and are always achieved alongside exercise and dietary changes. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected outcomes at different doses.
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 Next Steps
NHS access: Prescription weight loss medication is available through specialist tier 3 weight management services, typically following referral from your GP. Availability and waiting times vary significantly across UK regions—some areas have lengthy waiting lists.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following clinical assessment by a UK-licensed prescriber, without NHS referral required.
The most important first step is to speak with your GP about whether medication might support your workout and weight loss plan. They can assess your eligibility, discuss your health history, and explain what to expect. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to provide context for that conversation. Whatever route you choose, remember that prescription medication works best alongside sustainable exercise, improved nutrition, and gradual lifestyle changes—not as 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 prescription weight loss medication without exercising?
Prescription medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed to support—not replace—lifestyle changes. Clinical trials show best results when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Your GP or prescriber will emphasise this as part of your treatment plan.
How much weight can I expect to lose with medication and exercise combined?
Results vary between individuals. Clinical trials show average losses of 15–21% body weight with Mounjaro and around 15% with Wegovy, achieved alongside diet and exercise. Your personal results depend on many factors including starting weight, adherence to diet and exercise, dose, and individual metabolism.
What's the difference between weight loss injections available on the NHS versus privately?
The same medications are available through both routes—the difference is access pathway and waiting times. NHS access requires GP referral to specialist services and varies by region. Private prescribing through registered pharmacies is faster but involves a cost. Both require clinical assessment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK?
Use our free BMI calculator to check your BMI as a starting point. General eligibility requires BMI 30+ or 27–29.9 with weight-related conditions. South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults may qualify from BMI 27.5+. Your GP or a registered prescriber will confirm individual eligibility.
Should I start my workout plan before or after getting prescribed weight loss medication?
Start now. Begin building sustainable exercise habits immediately—don't wait. If you become eligible for medication, it will support the habits you've already established. The combination of movement, nutrition, and medication (if appropriate) is what delivers the best long-term results. Track your progress using 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.