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 Sweet Potato Good for Weight Loss?
Sweet potatoes are nutritious and can support weight loss when eaten as part of a balanced, reduced-calorie diet. They're high in fibre, lower in calories than white potatoes, and help you feel fuller for longer. However, weight loss ultimately depends on maintaining a calorie deficit through diet and physical activity. For eligible adults in the UK, prescription weight management medication like Mounjaro and Wegovy is also available alongside lifestyle changes to support sustainable weight loss.
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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.
Sweet Potatoes and Weight Management: The Nutrition Facts
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious carbohydrate choice for weight management. A medium sweet potato (about 100g) contains approximately 86 calories, 1.6g of fibre, and valuable vitamins including vitamin A and potassium. Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, meaning they release energy more gradually and help stabilise blood sugar levels. The high fibre content promotes satiety — you feel fuller after eating, which naturally reduces overall calorie intake.
- One medium sweet potato = approximately 86 calories
- Rich in soluble fibre, which supports digestion
- Lower glycemic index than white potatoes
- Good source of antioxidants and micronutrients
- Best preparation: baked or steamed (not fried or with added butter)
For sustainable weight loss in the UK, the NHS recommends a calorie deficit of approximately 500 calories per day, resulting in around 0.5kg per week loss. Sweet potatoes fit well into this approach when portion-controlled as part of a balanced meal plan.
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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.
Weight Loss Support: When Diet Alone Isn't Enough
If you're struggling with weight loss through diet and exercise alone, prescription weight loss medication is available to eligible adults in the UK. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 medications that help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals. Both are available through NHS weight management services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to see projected weight loss at different doses. You can also calculate your BMI using our free calculator to understand where you stand — for many people, combining dietary changes like eating sweet potatoes with prescription support makes a real difference.
- 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 sweet potatoes help me lose weight?
Sweet potatoes alone won't cause weight loss, but they support it. They're high in fibre and filling, making them a good choice within a reduced-calorie diet. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit overall — typically 500 calories per day for sustainable 0.5kg weekly loss. Sweet potatoes fit into this when portion-controlled.
How many calories are in a sweet potato?
A medium baked sweet potato (approximately 100g) contains around 86 calories. Preparation matters — baking or steaming adds no calories, but frying or adding butter significantly increases calorie content. Check portion size against your daily calorie target.
What's the best way to eat sweet potatoes for weight loss?
Bake or steam sweet potatoes without added fats. Pair them with lean protein (grilled chicken, tofu, fish) and vegetables for a balanced meal. Avoid deep frying and creamy toppings. Their natural sweetness satisfies cravings whilst staying relatively low-calorie.
Are there prescription weight loss options available on the NHS in the UK?
Yes. Eligible adults can access prescription weight loss medication through NHS specialist tier 3 weight management services, though waiting lists vary by region. Mounjaro and Wegovy are available to those with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions. Your GP can refer you.
How can I find out if I'm eligible for prescription weight loss medication?
Start by calculating your BMI using our free BMI calculator. If your BMI is 30 or above, or 27+ with conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, speak to your GP about referral to specialist weight management services. Eligibility is assessed individually.
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.