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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Age and Height Chart — Find Your Healthy Weight Range
An age and height chart helps you understand what constitutes a healthy weight for your individual measurements and life stage. In the UK, the NHS uses BMI (body mass index) as the primary screening tool for healthy weight, combined with age, height, and individual health factors. This guide explains how to use height and age data to assess weight health, provides reference charts, and shows how different ages and heights affect what's considered a healthy weight range. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your exact 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.
How Age, Height, and Weight Relate to Health
Age and height are the two key measurements used alongside weight to calculate BMI and assess weight health. Your height determines your baseline BMI categories—taller individuals will weigh more at the same BMI than shorter individuals. Age affects how your body composition changes; muscle naturally decreases with age while body fat tends to increase, even at the same weight.
The NHS uses a universal BMI scale for all adults aged 18 and over, regardless of age. However, your GP may consider your age when assessing weight health because:
- Older adults (65+) may have different health risks at the same BMI due to muscle loss
- Younger adults (18–30) may be building muscle mass, which BMI doesn't distinguish from fat
- Life stage factors (pregnancy, menopause, medication) affect weight distribution
- Individual health conditions matter more than the number on the scale
For the most personalised advice about what your height and age mean for your weight health, speak with your GP, who can assess your individual circumstances.
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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.
Healthy Weight Ranges by Height (UK)
The NHS healthy weight range for adults is a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, though lower thresholds apply for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage (BMI 18.5–22.9).
Your height determines your healthy weight range in kg or stone. For example, someone who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall has a healthy weight range of approximately 55–74 kg (8st 8lbs–11st 8lbs), while someone 5ft 4in (163cm) tall should aim for roughly 49–66 kg (7st 10lbs–10st 5lbs).
Age doesn't change these BMI categories for standard NHS assessment, but your GP may discuss your weight health differently depending on your age, existing health conditions, and individual circumstances. Use our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds instantly.
- 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.
Does age affect what's a healthy weight?
BMI categories remain the same across all adult ages (18+) under NHS guidelines. However, your GP may consider your age when discussing weight health because muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and life stage factors (like menopause or medication) affect weight distribution. Your individual health conditions matter more than age alone.
What's the healthy weight for a 5ft 6in woman?
For a woman who is 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, the healthy BMI weight range is approximately 52–70 kg (8st 2lbs–11st). This assumes standard BMI thresholds. If you're of South Asian or Black African heritage, the upper limit may be lower. Use the BMI calculator on this page for your exact measurements.
How do I find my healthy weight range from height and age?
Use the BMI calculator on this page—enter your height and current weight, and you'll see exactly where you fall and what your healthy weight range is. Your GP can also discuss your personal healthy weight based on your age, health history, and individual circumstances rather than just height alone.
Is BMI accurate for all ages?
BMI is less accurate in certain situations: for elderly people (muscle loss may raise BMI), very muscular individuals (muscle weighs more than fat), and during pregnancy. Your GP can assess whether BMI is the right measurement for your age and circumstances and discuss other health indicators like waist circumference.
What should I do if I'm outside the healthy weight range for my height?
Speak with your GP, who can give personalised advice based on your age, health, and individual circumstances. The NHS recommends losing weight gradually (0.5–1 kg per week) through sustainable changes. Your GP can discuss weight management options, including lifestyle support, structured programmes, or where appropriate, prescription weight loss treatment.
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.