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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5 Foot 8 Inches: Healthy Weight and BMI Guide for UK Adults
At 5 foot 8 inches (173 centimetres), you're close to the average height for UK adult men. Understanding what a healthy weight range is at your height is essential for managing your health effectively. According to NHS guidance, your healthy weight should fall within a specific BMI range, and knowing this can help you set realistic health goals. This UK health guide explains the healthy weight range for 5ft 8in, how to calculate your personal BMI, and what the NHS recommends for adults at this height.
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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.
Healthy Weight Range at 5 Foot 8 Inches
For an adult who is 5 foot 8 inches (173cm) tall, the healthy weight range is approximately 55.4 kg to 74.5 kg, or roughly 8 stone 10 lbs to 11 stone 10 lbs. This range is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which is the NHS standard for UK adults.
These figures assume average adult proportions. Your personal healthy weight may vary slightly depending on your muscle mass, frame size, and individual health factors. If you're unsure whether you're within a healthy weight range, use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly — it takes just seconds and gives you an immediate health context.
For men of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends a slightly lower healthy weight threshold (BMI 18.5 to 22.9), which means the upper limit would be around 69 kg or 10 stone 13 lbs. If this applies to you, discuss your personal healthy weight target with your GP.
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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.
BMI and Health Context at This Height
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. At 5 foot 8 inches, a BMI of 30 (the obesity threshold) corresponds to approximately 90 kg or 14 stone 2 lbs. However, it's important to understand that BMI has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass or where fat is stored, so athletes or very muscular individuals may have a higher BMI despite being healthy.
Use our free weight converter above to switch between kg, stone, and pounds so you can easily check your current weight in any measurement unit. Your GP can provide personalised advice about what your personal weight and BMI mean for your individual health profile, especially if you have existing health conditions.
- 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.
What weight am I at 5ft 8in if my BMI is 25?
A BMI of 25 at 5ft 8in (173cm) corresponds to approximately 74.9 kg or 11 stone 11 lbs. This falls into the "overweight" category according to NHS guidelines, though it's just above the healthy weight range. Your GP can advise whether this weight poses any health risks based on your individual circumstances and health history.
Is 5ft 8in average height for a UK man?
Yes, 5ft 8in (173cm) is very close to the average height for UK adult men, which is approximately 175cm. This means weight references and health data for UK adults apply directly to you. The NHS and most UK health services use this height range when setting population-level health targets.
How do I calculate my healthy weight at 5ft 8in?
Multiply your height in metres squared by 18.5 for the lower bound and 24.9 for the upper bound of a healthy BMI. At 5ft 8in (1.73m), this gives 55.4 kg to 74.5 kg. Our free BMI calculator above does this calculation instantly — just enter your current weight to see exactly where you stand.
What if I need to lose weight at this height?
The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable results. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. If you're struggling to lose weight, your GP can refer you to specialist weight management services, which may include prescription support alongside lifestyle changes.
Does height affect which weight loss medications I can take?
Height doesn't directly affect medication eligibility, but your BMI does — and BMI is calculated using your height. If you're interested in prescription weight management support like GLP-1 medications, eligibility is based on your BMI and health conditions, not your height. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess whether you qualify.
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.