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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Sweet Potato vs Potato for Weight Loss
Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes can fit into a weight management plan, but they differ in nutritional content and how they affect appetite and blood sugar. If you're working on losing weight in the UK, understanding these differences helps you make informed food choices that support your goals. Whether you're following NHS weight loss guidance or considering prescription weight loss medication, the right carbohydrate choices matter alongside lifestyle changes.
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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.
Nutritional Comparison and Satiety
Sweet potatoes contain slightly more fibre (3g per 100g cooked) compared to regular white potatoes (2.1g per 100g), which means they may help you feel fuller for longer. Both are relatively low in calories — a medium sweet potato (100g) contains approximately 86 kcal, whilst a medium white potato contains around 77 kcal. However, the key difference is glycaemic index (GI): sweet potatoes have a medium GI (~63), whilst white potatoes have a higher GI (~85–90). This means regular potatoes cause a faster, sharper rise in blood sugar, potentially triggering hunger sooner. For weight management in the UK, fibre content and slower digestion matter because they support satiety and reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day.
- Sweet potatoes: 86 kcal, 3g fibre per 100g cooked
- White potatoes: 77 kcal, 2.1g fibre per 100g cooked
- Sweet potatoes have lower glycaemic index (medium vs high)
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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.
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How Cooking Method and Portion Size Impact Weight Loss
The cooking method matters more than the potato type itself. Boiled or roasted potatoes (without added fat) are far better for weight management than chips or crisps. A medium boiled potato fits comfortably into a reduced-calorie diet, contributing roughly 5–7% of a typical 1,500 kcal daily allowance. Both sweet and regular potatoes can be part of sustainable weight loss when portion-controlled and paired with vegetables and lean protein. Our free BMI calculator can help you understand your current health status, whilst tracking your portions using a food diary or our progress tracker supports consistent weight loss. The NHS recommends focusing on whole foods, portion control, and regular physical activity rather than eliminating entire food groups.
The cooking method matters more than the potato type itself. Boiled or roasted potatoes (without added fat) are far better for weight loss management than chips or crisps. A medium boiled potato fits comfortably into a reduced-calorie diet, contributing roughly 5–7% of a typical 1,500 kcal daily allowance. Both sweet and regular potatoes can be part of sustainable weight management when portion-controlled and paired with vegetables and lean protein. Our free BMI calculator helps you understand your current health status, whilst our progress tracker supports consistent weight loss tracking. The NHS recommends focusing on whole foods, portion control, and regular physical activity rather than eliminating entire food groups.
- 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 sweet potato better than regular potato for weight loss?
Sweet potatoes have slightly more fibre and a lower glycaemic index, meaning they may keep you fuller longer. However, both are similar in calories. The real difference is satiety — sweet potatoes may cause less rapid blood sugar spikes. For weight management in the UK, portion control and cooking method matter more than the type of potato.
How many potatoes can I eat on a weight loss diet?
A medium boiled potato (100g) contains around 77–86 kcal and fits easily into a reduced-calorie diet. The NHS recommends carbohydrate portions of roughly a quarter of your plate. Pair potatoes with lean protein and vegetables, and avoid high-fat cooking methods like deep frying.
Do potatoes help with weight loss or prevent it?
Potatoes themselves don't prevent weight loss — they're nutrient-dense and relatively low-calorie. The issue arises with cooking method (chips, roasted in oil) and portion size. Boiled or steamed potatoes are a healthy, filling carbohydrate choice that supports sustainable weight loss.
Should I choose sweet potato if I'm on a weight loss programme?
Sweet potatoes are a good choice because their higher fibre and lower GI may support appetite control. However, the difference between sweet and regular potatoes is modest. Both can fit into weight management plans like those recommended by NHS services or supported by prescription weight loss medication alongside lifestyle changes.
What's the best way to prepare potatoes for weight loss?
Boil, steam, or bake potatoes without added fat or oil. Avoid chips, crisps, or potatoes cooked in butter or cream. Pair with lean protein and plenty of vegetables to create a balanced, satisfying meal that supports your reduced-calorie diet and weight loss goals.
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.