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
Are Potatoes Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, potatoes can support weight loss when prepared healthily. Despite their reputation, potatoes are relatively low in calories and high in resistant starch when cooled, which helps you feel fuller for longer. The key is how you prepare them — boiled or baked potatoes are nutritious, whilst fried chips and heavily buttered mash are calorie-dense. Combined with a balanced diet and increased physical activity, potatoes can be part of sustainable weight management in the UK.
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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 to Make Potatoes Work for Weight Loss
Preparation method matters far more than the potato itself. A medium boiled potato (around 150g) contains approximately 100 calories, but the same potato deep-fried as chips contains 350+ calories. For effective weight loss, choose boiling, baking, steaming, or microwaving over frying or roasting in oil.
- Boiled potatoes: 100–120 calories, excellent satiety factor
- Baked potatoes: Similar calories, good when kept plain or with low-calorie toppings
- Mashed potatoes: Keep high-calorie (butter, cream, milk) — use low-fat alternatives
- Roasted potatoes: Calorie-dense due to oil — use minimal oil and herbs instead
Research shows that boiled potatoes rank highly on the satiety index — they keep you feeling full, which supports weight loss uk goals by reducing overall calorie intake naturally. Pair potatoes with lean protein and vegetables for a balanced, sustainable meal.
Clinically BackedWeight 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.
Potatoes and Weight Management Overall
Potatoes contain important nutrients including vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, making them valuable in a balanced diet. The NHS recommends including starchy carbohydrates like potatoes as part of healthy eating. For effective weight management uk, focus on portion control — a healthy serving is roughly one medium potato per meal.
If you're tracking weight loss, use our free BMI calculator to monitor your progress and our weight converter to understand your weight in both stone and kilograms. For personalised advice about calorie targets and meal planning, speak to your GP or a registered dietitian who can tailor guidance to your individual needs.
- 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.
Will eating potatoes stop me losing weight?
No. Potatoes themselves are not fattening — how you prepare them is what matters. Boiled or baked potatoes are lower in calories than fried versions. Portion control and overall calorie intake determine weight loss, not potatoes alone. Include them as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet.
Are sweet potatoes better for weight loss than regular potatoes?
Both can support weight loss. Sweet potatoes contain slightly more natural sugars but also more fibre, so they have a similar satiety effect. Choose preparation method over potato type — boiled sweet potato is a healthy choice, whilst deep-fried chips (regular or sweet) are calorie-dense regardless of variety.
How many potatoes can I eat daily whilst losing weight?
This depends on your personal calorie target and overall diet. A medium boiled potato (150g, ~100 calories) fits easily into most weight loss plans. Use our free weight loss calculator to estimate your daily calorie needs, and include potatoes as part of your total intake. Your GP can advise on personalised targets.
Do potatoes work with GLP-1 weight loss medication?
Yes. If taking GLP-1 medication like semaglutide for weight management, boiled potatoes remain a sensible food choice — they're nutritious and low in calories. However, your prescriber may advise on portion sizes based on the medication's appetite-reducing effects. Always discuss dietary changes with your healthcare provider.
What's the difference between white and sweet potatoes for weight loss?
Both are similar nutritionally and calorically when prepared the same way. White potatoes are slightly lower in calories (~80 per medium boiled); sweet potatoes offer more fibre and micronutrients (~100 calories). Choice comes down to preference — focus on boiling, baking, or steaming rather than the variety itself.
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.