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: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
Both regular potatoes and sweet potatoes can fit into a weight loss plan, but they have different nutritional profiles that matter for weight management in the UK. Regular potatoes are lower in calories and higher in resistant starch when cooled, while sweet potatoes are richer in fibre and micronutrients. The key to weight loss isn't avoiding either — it's portion control, preparation method, and how they fit within your overall calorie deficit. Whether you're managing weight through dietary changes, medication like GLP-1 injections, or a combination of both, understanding these differences helps you make informed choices.
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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.
Nutritional Comparison and Calorie Content
Regular potatoes (100g boiled, unsalted): approximately 77 kcal, 17g carbohydrates, 2.1g fibre, minimal fat. Sweet potatoes (100g boiled): approximately 86 kcal, 20g carbohydrates, 3g fibre, minimal fat.
The calorie difference is marginal, but sweet potatoes contain more fibre, which supports satiety and digestive health — important for weight management. Regular potatoes, particularly when cooled after cooking, develop resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that acts more like fibre and may support metabolic health. Preparation matters significantly: boiled or baked potatoes are weight-loss friendly, whilst chips, crisps, and buttered preparations add substantial calories. Using our free weight converter and BMI calculator can help you track how dietary changes align with your overall weight management goals.
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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.
Glycaemic Index and Blood Sugar Impact
Regular potatoes have a higher glycaemic index (GI) than sweet potatoes, meaning they raise blood sugar faster. However, cooling cooked potatoes lowers their GI significantly, making them more weight-loss friendly. Sweet potatoes have a lower GI overall, which helps maintain stable energy and reduce cravings — beneficial if you're managing weight through nhs weight loss programmes or prescription weight loss medication.
For people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes seeking weight loss medication uk options, blood sugar stability is particularly important. Both potato types can fit into a balanced diet when portions are controlled. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you project potential results if you're considering prescription weight management options alongside dietary improvements.
- 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 I eat potatoes while losing weight?
Yes. Potatoes are nutrient-dense and naturally low in calories when prepared without added fats. Portion control and cooking method matter most. Boiled or baked potatoes support weight loss; fried versions do not. Include them as part of a calorie deficit for sustainable weight management.
Which is lower in carbohydrates, regular or sweet potato?
Regular potatoes contain slightly fewer carbohydrates per 100g (17g vs 20g), but the difference is small. Sweet potatoes offer more fibre, which may support satiety during weight loss. Both are fine in controlled portions as part of a balanced bmi weight loss strategy.
Does resistant starch in cooled potatoes help weight loss?
Resistant starch behaves like fibre and may support metabolic health and digestion. Cooling cooked potatoes increases resistant starch content. Some research suggests it supports healthy weight management, though the effect is modest. It's one factor among many in a broader weight management uk approach.
Are potatoes allowed if I'm on GLP-1 weight loss medication?
Yes. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide work alongside dietary changes, not instead of them. Potatoes can fit into your diet if portions are controlled and calories are tracked. Your prescriber or dietitian can advise on portion sizes suitable for your prescription weight loss treatment.
Which potato should I choose for better weight loss results?
Choose based on preference and how each affects your energy and hunger. Sweet potatoes offer slightly more fibre for satiety; regular potatoes offer more resistant starch when cooled. Both support weight loss equally if portions are consistent. Track results using our free progress tracker.
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.