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 Routines for Weight Loss at Gym
Exercise is a proven part of sustainable weight loss, but for many UK adults, combining regular gym workouts with prescription weight management medication can improve results. This guide covers effective gym routines and explains how prescription options like Mounjaro and Wegovy fit into a comprehensive weight loss plan. Whether you're starting at the gym or looking to optimise your routine, understanding the full picture—exercise, diet, and available medical support—gives you the best chance of success. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your starting point and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore how medication might support your goals.
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
For eligible UK adults, prescription weight loss medications can support gym routines and dietary changes. Three main options are currently licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical trials showed participants lost an average of 15–21% body weight alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection, doses up to 2.4 mg. STEP trial data showed average weight loss of approximately 15% body weight.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection, up to 3 mg per day. Lower average weight loss compared to Mounjaro and Wegovy but still clinically effective.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly. These medications work by reducing appetite, supporting satiety, and helping regulate blood sugar—complementing your gym routine and diet efforts rather than replacing them.
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.
Eligibility, NHS Access, and How to Get Started
You may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication in the UK if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds apply.
NHS access: Through referral to specialist tier 3/4 weight management services—availability and waiting times vary significantly by region. Private access: Via online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy—available without NHS referral. Start by speaking with your GP about your weight loss goals. They can assess your eligibility and discuss whether prescription medication, combined with your gym routine, is appropriate for you. Track your progress alongside medication using our free progress tracker.
- 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 gym workouts alone for weight loss, or do I need medication?
Gym workouts and diet changes are highly effective for many people and are recommended as the first-line approach. However, for some adults—particularly those with a higher BMI or weight-related health conditions—adding prescription weight loss medication to a structured exercise routine may improve outcomes. Your GP can advise whether medication is right for you.
How does Mounjaro help with weight loss when I'm exercising?
Mounjaro works by activating GIP and GLP-1 hormone pathways, reducing appetite, helping you feel fuller after smaller meals, and supporting blood sugar regulation. It complements your gym efforts by making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit—you're not replacing exercise, but medication supports your overall plan.
Is Wegovy or Mounjaro better for weight loss?
Clinical trials showed Mounjaro achieved slightly higher average weight loss (15–21%) compared to Wegovy (approximately 15%), though individual results vary considerably. The "better" choice depends on your personal health profile, medical history, and how your body responds. Your prescriber will help determine which is more suitable.
How do I know if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication on the NHS?
Typical NHS eligibility requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. However, eligibility varies by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Ask your GP for a referral to your local specialist weight management service, or explore private prescribing if NHS access is limited in your area.
Can I start prescription weight loss medication and gym workouts at the same time?
Yes, many people start medication and structured exercise simultaneously. However, always follow your prescriber's guidance on dose escalation and timing. Combining medication with consistent gym routines, a balanced reduced-calorie diet, and tracking progress using our free BMI and weight loss calculators gives the best results. Consistency matters more than speed.
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.