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
Weight Loss and Sleep Apnoea — What You Need to Know
Sleep apnoea and excess weight are closely linked. Losing weight can significantly improve sleep apnoea severity — sometimes eliminating it entirely. In the UK, weight-related sleep apnoea qualifies you for prescription weight loss treatment under NHS guidelines. Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can ease breathing during sleep and improve oxygen levels. Your GP can assess whether weight management medication or lifestyle changes are right for you. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your current weight category and understand your starting point for weight management.
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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.
How Weight Loss Helps Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway. Excess weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, narrows the space where air flows, making collapse more likely. Weight loss reduces this pressure and opens the airway.
- 5–clinically studied weight loss: Often noticeably improves apnoea severity and daytime tiredness
- 10–clinically studied weight loss: May significantly reduce or resolve apnoea in many people
- Faster results: Some people see improvement within weeks of losing weight
Clinical evidence shows that weight management is one of the most effective apnoea treatments. The NHS recognises sleep apnoea as a qualifying weight-related health condition — meaning if you have a BMI of 27–29.9 with sleep apnoea, you may be eligible for prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore how different doses may support your weight management journey.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
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 Options for Sleep Apnoea in the UK
Lifestyle changes come first: Diet, physical activity, and sleeping position adjustments are always recommended. The NHS Weight Loss Plan offers free guidance for sustainable changes.
Prescription weight loss medication may be considered if lifestyle changes alone aren't sufficient. GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only and available through NHS specialist services or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. These may help you lose an average of 15% of body weight — individual results vary significantly.
Talk to your GP about your options. Weight management, combined with any existing apnoea treatment (such as CPAP), creates the best outcome. Track your progress using our free progress tracker to monitor how weight changes affect your energy and sleep quality.
- 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 weight loss supports sleep apnoea?
Weight loss can significantly reduce or completely resolve sleep apnoea in many people. However, outcomes vary — some people still need CPAP or other treatments even after substantial weight loss. Your GP can monitor your apnoea severity as you lose weight and adjust treatment accordingly.
How much weight do I need to lose to improve apnoea?
Even 5–clinically studied weight loss often noticeably improves apnoea. Larger reductions (15%+) may resolve it entirely. The rate of improvement varies between individuals, but many people notice better sleep and less daytime tiredness within weeks of steady weight loss.
Is prescription weight loss medication suitable for sleep apnoea?
If you have sleep apnoea and a BMI of 27 or above (or 30+ without comorbidities), you may be eligible for prescription weight loss treatment on the NHS or privately. A prescriber will assess whether medication is suitable for your specific situation. It's always used alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them.
What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss?
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is the UK-licensed weight management injection. Ozempic (semaglutide up to 2 mg) is approved only for type 2 diabetes — using it for weight loss is off-label. For weight management in the UK, Wegovy is the appropriate licensed option, available through prescription.
Will CPAP and weight loss work together?
Yes. Many people use CPAP while losing weight. As weight reduces, apnoea severity often improves, and your CPAP settings may be adjusted downward. Combining both approaches — weight management and CPAP — gives the best sleep quality and health outcomes.
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.