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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POTS and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can make weight management more challenging because the condition affects heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. If you have POTS and are struggling with your weight, understanding how the condition impacts your metabolism and exercise capacity is essential. This guide explains the connection between POTS and weight loss, and how to approach weight management safely with this condition. Always consult your GP before starting any weight loss programme if you have POTS, as your individual health needs may require a tailored approach.
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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.
How POTS Affects Weight Management
POTS is a form of dysautonomia — a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that controls heart rate, blood pressure, and other involuntary functions. When you have POTS, your heart rate increases abnormally when you stand up, and blood pooling in your legs reduces blood flow to your brain. This can cause dizziness, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.
These symptoms directly impact weight loss efforts because:
- Reduced exercise capacity: Fatigue and orthostatic intolerance make sustained physical activity difficult, limiting calorie burn
- Medication side effects: POTS medications (such as fludrocortisone or midodrine) can affect appetite and metabolism
- Energy depletion: The constant physical stress of managing POTS symptoms leaves less energy for exercise and meal planning
- Metabolic considerations: Some POTS patients experience slower metabolism due to reduced activity levels and autonomic dysfunction
Despite these challenges, weight loss is still achievable with POTS — it simply requires a modified, POTS-aware approach. Your GP or a dietitian experienced with POTS can help design a safe weight loss strategy tailored to your condition.
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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 Strategies for POTS Patients
A sustainable weight loss approach for POTS includes dietary focus rather than intensive exercise. Achieving a modest calorie deficit through nutrition — rather than relying on high-impact exercise — is often more realistic for POTS patients. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. Use our free weight converter to track your weight in kg, stone, or lbs as you progress.
Consider these POTS-friendly strategies:
- Focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than calorie restriction alone
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to stabilise blood sugar and energy
- Stay well-hydrated — dehydration worsens POTS symptoms
- Increase salt intake as advised by your GP — this can improve blood volume and reduce POTS symptoms
- Try low-impact movement like gentle walking, swimming, or seated exercise rather than intense cardio
- Work with a dietitian to plan sustainable weight loss without triggering symptom flare-ups
If you need support with weight loss goals, calculate your healthy weight range using our free BMI calculator to set realistic targets for your height and age.
- 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 lose weight if I have POTS?
Yes, weight loss is achievable with POTS, though it may require a different approach than standard weight loss programmes. A dietary focus with gentle activity, rather than intense exercise, is often more sustainable. Your GP or a POTS-specialist dietitian can help design a safe plan tailored to your symptoms and medication.
Will POTS medication affect my weight loss?
Some POTS medications can affect appetite, metabolism, or fluid retention. Fludrocortisone and midodrine are commonly prescribed for POTS. If you're concerned about weight changes while taking POTS medication, discuss this with your GP — they may adjust your treatment or refer you to a dietitian for support.
Is exercise safe for weight loss if I have POTS?
Exercise should be modified for POTS. High-intensity or upright activities can trigger symptoms. Low-impact options like gentle walking, swimming, seated exercises, or recumbent cycling are often better tolerated. Start slowly, increase gradually, and stop if symptoms worsen. Always check with your GP or a POTS-specialist physiotherapist before starting any exercise programme.
How does dehydration affect POTS and weight loss?
Dehydration worsens POTS symptoms dramatically — it reduces blood volume and triggers heart rate spikes and dizziness. Proper hydration is critical for POTS management and supports metabolism for weight loss. Drink consistently throughout the day, increase salt intake as advised by your GP, and avoid diuretics unless prescribed.
Should I use prescription weight loss medication if I have POTS?
Prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1 injections (Mounjaro or Wegovy) may be an option, but you must discuss this with your GP first. These medications can affect heart rate and fluid balance, which may impact POTS symptoms. A prescriber will assess whether they're safe for your individual situation and monitor you closely if prescribed.
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.