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
Is Sleep Apnea Reversible With Weight Loss?
Yes, weight loss can significantly improve and sometimes reverse sleep apnoea in many people. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is closely linked to excess weight, and losing weight may reduce or even eliminate symptoms. The NHS recognises weight management as a first-line treatment for sleep apnoea. However, severity varies between individuals, and some people may need ongoing support even after weight loss. Your GP can assess your specific situation and discuss the best approach for you.
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.
How Weight Loss Helps Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnoea occurs when throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway. Excess weight around the neck and throat narrows this airway, making blockages more likely. When you lose weight, you reduce this pressure on your airway, allowing better airflow during sleep.
Research shows that losing just 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve sleep apnoea severity. Larger weight reductions often lead to complete symptom reversal. The NHS recommends sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week through a combination of reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For some people, prescription weight management medications — such as GLP-1 weight loss injections — may support this process alongside lifestyle changes.
Weight 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 Weight Management and Sleep Apnea Support
The NHS offers support through its weight management pathways. Your GP can refer you to tier 2 or tier 3 weight management services, which provide personalised guidance on diet, physical activity, and behavioural change. If you have sleep apnoea, your GP may also recommend a sleep clinic assessment to monitor your condition during weight loss.
Track your progress using our free progress tracker to log weight changes and note improvements in sleep quality. Our BMI calculator can help you set realistic targets, and our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can estimate potential outcomes if prescription support is being considered.
- 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 sleep apnea go away completely with weight loss?
Yes, many people experience complete symptom reversal with significant weight loss. However, this depends on severity, other health factors, and individual physiology. Some people with mild-to-moderate sleep apnoea see it disappear after losing 10–15% of body weight. Your GP can assess whether complete reversal is likely in your case through a sleep clinic evaluation.
How much weight do I need to lose to improve sleep apnea?
Even modest weight loss helps. Studies show improvements can occur with a 5–10% reduction in body weight. Larger reductions (15–20%) often lead to more dramatic symptom improvement or reversal. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable, safe weight loss.
What if I have sleep apnea and a high BMI?
High BMI significantly increases sleep apnoea risk, but weight loss can have a dramatic positive effect. Use our free BMI calculator to establish your baseline and set targets. Your GP can refer you to specialist weight management services if needed, and you may be eligible for prescription weight loss support depending on your BMI and other health factors.
Does GLP-1 weight loss medication help with sleep apnea?
GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) are licensed in the UK for weight management and may help you lose weight, which could improve sleep apnoea symptoms. Clinical trials showed significant average weight loss with these prescription-only medications. However, they work best alongside diet and physical activity, and must be prescribed following a clinical assessment by your GP or a licensed prescriber.
Should I get a sleep study before or after weight loss?
Your GP may recommend a sleep study to assess current severity. After significant weight loss, a follow-up study can confirm whether symptoms have improved or resolved. If you have diagnosed sleep apnoea, continue using any prescribed devices (like CPAP) until your GP advises otherwise, even whilst losing weight. Weight loss and medical treatment work together to manage your condition safely.
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.