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
What's a Healthy Weight at 5ft 8in?
If you're 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, understanding your healthy weight range is an important part of managing your health. According to NHS guidance, the healthy weight for someone at this height typically falls between 55kg and 74kg (8 stone 9lbs to 11 stone 10lbs), though your ideal weight depends on factors like age, muscle mass, and individual health conditions. This UK health guide explains how height relates to BMI, weight management, and your personal health context.
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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.
NHS Weight Ranges and BMI Guidelines for 5ft 8in
At 5ft 8in, your height is close to the average UK adult male height of 175cm. Using NHS BMI guidelines, the healthy weight range for this height spans from approximately 55kg to 74kg. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, while 25 to 29.9 falls into the overweight category, and 30 and above indicates obesity. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds, with a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 22.9. You can calculate your exact BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator above. Weight alone doesn't tell the full story — your waist circumference also matters. NHS guidance suggests men should aim to keep waist measurements below 94cm (37 inches) for health, with increased risk above 102cm (40 inches).
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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.
UK Tools and Resources for Your Height
Use our free weight converter to switch between kilograms, stone, and pounds — helpful if you're tracking weight in different units. Our BMI calculator above will instantly show where your current weight falls in NHS categories, and if you're considering weight loss, try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to understand potential outcomes with evidence-based support. If you have concerns about your weight or health at your height, your GP can provide personalised guidance and refer you to NHS weight management services if appropriate. Many GPs now offer tier 2 or tier 3 weight management support, which may include behavioural counselling, dietitian advice, or prescription medication.
- 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 should I aim for at 5ft 8in?
According to NHS guidelines, the healthy weight range at 5ft 8in is approximately 55kg to 74kg (8 stone 9lbs to 11 stone 10lbs). Your ideal weight also depends on age, sex, muscle mass, and individual health factors. Use our free BMI calculator to find where your current weight sits in relation to these guidelines, and speak to your GP for personalised advice.
Is 5ft 8in average height in the UK?
5ft 8in (173cm) is very close to the average UK adult male height, which is approximately 175cm. It's a typical height for UK adults. Height alone doesn't determine health — your weight, fitness level, and overall lifestyle are equally important factors in your wellbeing.
How do I convert my weight from kg to stone at 5ft 8in?
Use our free weight converter at the top of this page to instantly convert between kilograms, stone, and pounds. As a quick reference: 1 stone equals 6.35kg, so 70kg equals approximately 11 stone 0lbs. This makes it easy to track your weight in whichever unit you prefer.
What BMI should I have at 5ft 8in?
A healthy BMI at 5ft 8in is between 18.5 and 24.9 according to NHS guidelines. If you're 5ft 8in and weigh 70kg, your BMI would be approximately 23.6, which falls in the healthy weight range. Calculate your exact BMI above using our free calculator to see where you stand.
When should I speak to my GP about weight at this height?
Contact your GP if you're concerned about your weight, experiencing health issues, or want to discuss weight management options. Your GP can assess your individual health picture, check for weight-related conditions, and refer you to NHS weight management services if appropriate. They can also advise whether prescription weight loss support might help.
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.