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
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Is Yoga Good for Weight Loss?
Yoga can support weight loss, but it's not typically a primary weight loss tool on its own. While regular yoga practice builds strength, improves flexibility, and burns calories, sustainable weight management in the UK usually requires a calorie deficit alongside physical activity. This guide explains how yoga fits into a broader weight loss strategy, and when additional support—like dietary changes or prescription options—may be more effective for your goals.
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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 Yoga Supports Weight Loss
Yoga contributes to weight loss in several evidence-based ways. Calorie burn varies by style: vigorous vinyasa or power yoga burns 180–300 calories per hour, while gentle hatha yoga burns around 120–150 calories. More importantly, regular practice builds lean muscle mass, which increases resting metabolic rate—meaning your body burns more calories even at rest.
Yoga also supports stress reduction, which helps regulate cortisol levels and reduces stress-related eating. Many people find that mindfulness during yoga practice improves awareness of hunger and satiety cues, leading to better food choices throughout the day. Studies show that consistency matters: practising 3–4 times weekly alongside a reduced-calorie diet produces measurable results over 12 weeks.
- Builds core strength and improves posture
- Enhances flexibility and joint mobility
- Promotes better sleep quality, supporting weight management
- Encourages mindful eating habits
Weight Loss
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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 Yoga Alone Isn't Enough
For sustainable weight loss, yoga works best as part of a broader approach. The NHS emphasises that weight management requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day for 0.5 kg weekly loss. Yoga alone typically doesn't create this deficit unless combined with dietary changes.
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, you may benefit from additional support. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI and healthy weight range. Your GP can discuss options including prescription weight loss medication like GLP-1 injections, which are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes including exercise like yoga. These prescription options may be more effective when added to dietary modifications and physical activity for weight management in the UK.
For sustainable weight loss, yoga works best as part of a broader approach. The NHS emphasises that weight management requires a calorie deficit of approximately 500 kcal per day for 0.5 kg weekly loss. Yoga alone typically doesn't create this deficit unless combined with dietary changes.
If you have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, you may benefit from additional support. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI and healthy weight range. Your GP can discuss options including prescription weight loss medication, which are designed to work alongside lifestyle changes including exercise like yoga. For weight loss medication nhs access, speak with your GP about referral to specialist weight management services or explore private prescribing options.
- 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.
Does yoga burn as many calories as other forms of exercise?
No. Vigorous yoga styles (vinyasa, power) burn 180–300 calories per hour, compared to running (400–600 calories) or cycling (300–500 calories). However, yoga's strength-building and stress-reducing benefits support long-term weight management. Combining yoga with higher-intensity cardio provides better calorie deficit for weight loss.
How often should I do yoga to see weight loss results?
The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. For yoga-focused weight loss, aim for 3–4 sessions per week of vigorous styles, plus 2–3 sessions of cardio. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular practice over 12 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet produces measurable results.
Can yoga replace a weight loss diet?
No. Yoga alone cannot replace dietary changes. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit—typically 500 kcal daily for 0.5 kg weekly loss. Yoga supports this by building muscle and reducing stress-eating, but food intake remains the primary factor. Combine yoga with nutritious, portion-controlled meals for best results.
Is yoga suitable if I'm significantly overweight?
Yes. Gentle, beginner-friendly yoga is accessible at any weight. Start with chair yoga or slow hatha classes and progress as strength improves. If you have a BMI above 30, speak with your GP before starting any new exercise programme to ensure it's safe for your individual health.
Should I combine yoga with prescription weight loss medication?
Yes. Prescription GLP-1 weight loss medications work best alongside lifestyle changes including regular exercise. Yoga can be part of your activity routine. If you're eligible for prescription weight management options through NHS weight management services or private prescribing, your prescriber will recommend combining medication with exercise and dietary changes for best results.
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.