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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Rice or Potatoes for Weight Loss — Which Is Better?
Both rice and potatoes can fit into a weight loss plan, but the choice depends on portion size, preparation method, and your overall calorie intake. In the UK, sustainable weight management involves balanced nutrition alongside lifestyle changes. If you're considering prescription weight loss medication such as GLP-1 injections, understanding how different foods fit into your diet is equally important. This guide explores the nutritional differences between rice and potatoes, and how UK-licensed prescription options can support your weight management journey.
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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.
Prescription Weight Loss Options Available in the UK
For eligible adults in the UK, several prescription weight management medications are available to support weight loss alongside dietary changes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are once-weekly injections licensed by the MHRA for weight management. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection option.
- Mounjaro: Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% of body weight at the highest dose, used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Wegovy: Evidence suggests average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight over 68 weeks in clinical trials.
- Saxenda: A longer-established option, typically resulting in 5–clinically studied weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
All three are prescription-only medicines requiring clinical assessment. Individual results vary significantly. These medications work by helping reduce appetite and support feeling fuller after smaller meals, making it easier to maintain a reduced-calorie diet whilst choosing foods like rice and potatoes in appropriate portions.
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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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NHS vs Private Access — How to Find Out If You're Eligible
In the UK, prescription weight loss medication can be accessed through the NHS specialist weight management pathway or privately through online prescribing services.
- NHS route: Ask your GP for referral to your local tier 3 weight management service. Eligibility typically requires a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. Waiting times vary by region; some areas have significant waiting lists.
- Private route: Prescription medications are available through registered UK pharmacies following an online clinical assessment, without requiring NHS referral.
Whichever route you choose, a licensed prescriber will assess your individual health and whether prescription medication is appropriate for you. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes at different doses, and our BMI calculator to check your current BMI category according to NHS guidelines.
- 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.
Are rice and potatoes bad for weight loss?
Neither rice nor potatoes are inherently "bad" for weight loss. Both can be part of a healthy diet when portions are controlled and preparation methods are considered. White rice is higher in calories per 100g than potatoes; wholemeal alternatives and boiled potatoes without added fats are lower-calorie options. The key is maintaining a calorie deficit and balancing them with protein and vegetables.
Which is lower in calories — rice or potatoes?
Boiled potatoes contain approximately 77 calories per 100g, whilst white rice contains approximately 130 calories per 100g when cooked. However, portion size and preparation matter more than the food itself. Roasted potatoes with oil or fried rice will be significantly higher in calories than their boiled counterparts.
Can prescription weight loss medication help if I eat rice and potatoes?
Yes. GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy work by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller after smaller portions. This means you can still enjoy foods like rice and potatoes in controlled amounts. These medications are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet, balanced nutrition, and increased physical activity — not by eliminating specific foods.
How do I know if I'm eligible for NHS weight loss medication?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 or above, or 25–29.9 with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Speak to your GP about referral to specialist weight management services. Access and waiting times vary significantly by region in the UK.
What's the best approach — diet changes alone or with medication?
Evidence supports combining lifestyle changes with prescription medication if eligible. A reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioural support form the foundation. For some adults, adding prescription weight loss medication can make maintaining a calorie deficit easier and more sustainable. Your GP or healthcare professional can advise what's best for your individual circumstances.
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.