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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Yoga Exercises for Weight Loss — UK Health Guide
Yoga can support weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and calorie deficit, though exercise alone rarely produces significant results. Many UK adults are now combining regular physical activity like yoga with prescription weight management options to achieve better outcomes. This guide explores how yoga fits into a comprehensive weight loss approach, and introduces the prescription medications available through the NHS and private prescribing in the UK. Whether you're looking to increase activity levels or explore additional support, understanding all your options is important for sustainable weight management.
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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 Options Available in the UK
For adults struggling with weight management through lifestyle changes alone, the UK offers several prescription-only weight loss medications. These are typically considered when BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Three main options are licensed in the UK:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight at the maximum dose, though individual results vary significantly.
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-weekly injection. Evidence suggests average weight loss around 15% body weight in clinical trials, alongside diet and exercise.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist, once-daily injection. A longer-established option with demonstrated effectiveness for weight management.
All three are prescription-only and require assessment by a licensed prescriber to determine suitability. Our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential results at different doses, but a prescriber must assess your individual health before any prescription is issued.
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 Get Started
Access to prescription weight loss medication in the UK differs depending on your route. NHS access typically requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service through your GP, though availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can be lengthy. Private access is available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber, without needing an NHS referral.
Whichever route you choose, prescription weight loss medication works best alongside sustainable lifestyle changes — including regular physical activity like yoga, dietary modifications, and behaviour change. Your prescriber will discuss eligibility based on your BMI and health conditions. Start by speaking with your GP about weight management options available to you, or research private prescribing services if you prefer that route. Use our free BMI calculator to check your current BMI category and understand where you fall within NHS eligibility thresholds.
- 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 yoga alone help me lose weight?
Yoga supports weight loss by increasing physical activity and promoting mindfulness around eating, but sustainable weight loss requires a calorie deficit. Yoga typically burns 120–180 calories per hour depending on intensity. For significant weight loss, combining yoga with dietary changes is essential. If you have a BMI of 30 or above, prescription weight management options may provide additional support alongside exercise.
How do prescription weight loss injections work?
Mounjaro and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (Mounjaro is also a GIP agonist) that work by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing stomach emptying. Clinical trials showed they help people lose weight when combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary — always discuss expected outcomes with your prescriber.
Am I eligible for NHS prescription weight loss treatment?
You may be eligible if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. Access is through specialist NHS weight management services via GP referral. Eligibility varies by region. Your GP can assess whether you qualify and refer you to local services.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 15mg weekly and showed 15–21% average weight loss in trials. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist with a maximum dose of 2.4mg weekly and showed around 15% average weight loss in trials. Both are once-weekly injections. A prescriber can discuss which is more appropriate for you.
Can I access prescription weight loss medication privately without NHS referral?
Yes. Private GPhC-registered online pharmacies can issue prescriptions for Mounjaro or Wegovy following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber. This doesn't require an NHS referral but involves private costs (typically £129–£320+ per month depending on dose). Always check that the pharmacy is GPhC-registered and the prescriber is UK-licensed.
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.