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
Gym Workout Routines for Weight Loss — UK Health Guide
A solid gym routine is an excellent foundation for weight loss, but combining exercise with other approaches — including prescription medication if eligible — can significantly improve your results. This guide covers effective workout strategies for weight loss at the gym and explains how weight management medication available in the UK can complement your fitness efforts. Calculate your personal weight management needs using our free BMI calculator to understand where you stand today.
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.
Prescription Weight Loss Medication Available in the UK
If you're struggling with weight loss through exercise and diet alone, several prescription weight loss injections are available in the UK for eligible adults. These include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide) — all licensed by the MHRA for weight management.
You may be eligible if:
- BMI 30 or above, or BMI 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)
- For South Asian, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults: lower thresholds apply (BMI 27.5+)
- Adults aged 18 and over
Clinical trials show these medications help people lose an average of 15–21% of body weight — but individual results vary significantly. They work alongside reduced-calorie diet and physical activity, not as replacements. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different medication 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 — How to Find Out If You're Eligible
NHS route: Ask your GP for a referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas have long waiting lists.
Private route: Online prescribing services allow you to complete a clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber and receive a prescription if appropriate — without NHS referral.
Either way, a prescriber will assess whether prescription weight loss is suitable for your individual health and will discuss how it works alongside your gym routine and nutrition plan. Your GP is always a good starting point to discuss your weight management options and understand what's available in your area. Track your progress with our free progress tracker to monitor results from both exercise and any treatment you begin.
- 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 with just gym exercise and no medication?
Yes — diet and exercise alone work for many people. A calorie deficit of 500 kcal/day typically results in ~0.5 kg/week loss. However, some people find prescription weight loss medication helpful alongside exercise and diet to improve results or manage appetite more effectively.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist only. Clinical trials show Mounjaro may produce slightly larger average weight loss (~20.9% vs ~14.9%), but individual results vary. Both are once-weekly injections, prescription-only, and require clinical assessment.
How long does it take to see weight loss results?
With consistent gym routines and a calorie deficit, weight loss typically becomes visible within 4–6 weeks. Prescription medications may show results within 2–4 weeks for some people. The NHS recommends aiming for 0.5–1 kg/week as a sustainable rate.
Do I need to stay on weight loss medication permanently?
No set duration is mandated. Your prescriber will monitor your progress and discuss how long to continue treatment. Many people use these medications for 6–12 months; some continue longer. The focus is on developing sustainable lifestyle habits that support long-term weight maintenance.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss treatment on the NHS?
Generally, BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions may qualify. Ask your GP for a referral to your local weight management service for assessment. Eligibility and availability vary by region, so early conversation with your GP is important.
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.