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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Potato vs Sweet Potato For Weight Loss
Both potatoes and sweet potatoes can fit into a weight loss plan, but they have different nutritional profiles. Regular potatoes are lower in calories and contain resistant starch when cooled, while sweet potatoes are higher in fibre and beta-carotene. For sustainable weight loss in the UK, dietary choices work best alongside lifestyle changes. However, if you're struggling with weight management through diet and exercise alone, prescription weight loss medications may be worth discussing with your GP—especially if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions.
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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.
Potatoes vs Sweet Potatoes: Nutritional Comparison
Regular potatoes contain approximately 77 calories per 100g when boiled, with minimal fat and good levels of potassium and vitamin C. When cooled, they develop resistant starch, which may support satiety and has a lower glycaemic impact. Sweet potatoes contain around 86 calories per 100g and are richer in fibre (approximately 3g per 100g) and beta-carotene, making them nutrient-dense for weight loss. Both are naturally low in fat and can be part of a healthy weight loss diet when prepared without added butter or oil.
- Regular potatoes: better for resistant starch and satiety
- Sweet potatoes: higher fibre content supports digestion
- Both: filling, affordable, versatile choices
- Preparation matters: boiling or baking is preferable to frying
For weight management in the UK, the NHS emphasises that individual food choices are less important than maintaining a consistent calorie deficit through varied, balanced eating.
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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
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Weight Loss Support Beyond Diet: Prescription Options in the UK
If dietary changes and increased physical activity aren't delivering results, prescription weight loss medications may help. In the UK, three GLP-1 weight loss injections are licensed: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These work by supporting appetite regulation and are available through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing following clinical assessment.
- Mounjaro: dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism, average 15–clinically studied weight loss in trials
- Wegovy: GLP-1 mechanism, average clinically studied weight loss in trials
- Saxenda: daily injection alternative to once-weekly options
Try our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes with prescription medication, and use the BMI calculator above to check your eligibility criteria.
- 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.
Is regular potato or sweet potato better for weight loss?
Both can support weight loss when portion-controlled. Regular potatoes offer resistant starch when cooled, aiding satiety. Sweet potatoes provide more fibre and micronutrients. Choice depends on your preferences—the key is consistent calorie deficit, preparation method (boil or bake, not fry), and overall diet quality. Individual results vary based on total intake.
How do potatoes fit into a weight loss diet?
Potatoes are naturally low in calories and fat, making them weight-loss friendly when prepared healthily. They're filling due to their starch content, supporting portion control. The NHS recommends including starchy carbohydrates in balanced meals. Portion size matters—aim for a clenched fist-sized portion per meal alongside protein and vegetables.
What prescription weight loss options are available in the UK?
GLP-1 medications including Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are licensed for weight management in the UK. These require a prescription and clinical assessment. NHS access is through specialist tier 3 services; private prescribing is also available. Eligibility typically requires BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Should I use weight loss medication or just change my diet?
Diet and exercise are the foundation of sustainable weight loss. However, if you've tried lifestyle changes without sufficient results, prescription medication may help alongside continued dietary effort. Your GP can assess whether medication suits your individual circumstances. Many people use both approaches together for better outcomes.
How do I know if I'm eligible for weight loss medication in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, etc.). For South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage, lower BMI thresholds apply. Speak to your GP about referral to NHS specialist services, or contact a private prescriber for assessment.
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.