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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Appropriate Weight Chart for UK Adults
An appropriate weight chart shows you the healthy weight range for your height according to NHS guidelines. In the UK, we use body mass index (BMI) alongside other health measures to determine whether your current weight is in a healthy range. Your appropriate weight depends on your height, age, sex, and individual health factors โ not a single number. This guide explains how to use UK weight management guidance and find the right context for your personal health situation.
10,000+ calculations today ยท NHS-aligned thresholds ยท 100% free
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/mยฒ).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure โ it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution โ 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 โ 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 Categories and Your Appropriate Weight Range
The NHS defines appropriate weight using BMI categories. For most UK adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, which corresponds to a healthy weight range for your height. However, if you're from South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean backgrounds, the NHS recommends lower thresholds โ a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 โ because these groups have higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels.
To find your appropriate weight range, you need to know your exact height. For example, at 5ft 8in (173cm), a healthy weight is approximately 55kg to 75kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 10lbs). Use our free BMI calculator above to instantly find your personal healthy weight range and see where your current weight falls. Remember that BMI is a screening tool โ it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored, so your GP can provide more personalised guidance based on your individual health profile.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care โ 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 โ 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 โ completely free.
Beyond Weight Charts: Waist Measurement and NHS Health Advice
An appropriate weight chart is useful, but the NHS also considers waist circumference as an important health marker. For men, a waist over 94cm (37 inches) indicates increased health risk; over 102cm (40 inches) indicates high risk. For women, over 80cm (31.5 inches) is increased risk; over 88cm (34.5 inches) is high risk. These measurements matter more than weight alone for predicting cardiovascular disease.
If you're concerned about whether your weight is appropriate for your health, speak to your GP. They can assess your individual situation, consider your medical history, and discuss whether weight management support โ including lifestyle changes or, in some cases, prescription treatment โ might be helpful. Your GP can also refer you to NHS tier 3 specialist weight management services if needed, or help you access private weight loss support.
- 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 โ 5mg โ 7.5mg โ 10mg โ 12.5mg โ 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15โ17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg โ 0.5mg โ 1mg โ 1.7mg โ 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 | 15โ22.5% | 12โ17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20โ32 weeks | 16โ20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | ยฃ150โยฃ250/month | ยฃ150โยฃ300/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 โ 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 is considered an appropriate weight for my height in the UK?
Use your height and the NHS BMI categories to find your healthy range. At 5ft 5in, for example, appropriate weight is roughly 48โ65kg (7st 7lbs to 10st 3lbs). Use our BMI calculator above to find your exact healthy range instantly, as appropriate weight varies by height and individual factors.
Are weight charts the same for men and women?
BMI categories used in weight charts are the same for men and women in the UK. However, body composition differs โ women naturally have higher body fat percentages at the same BMI. Your GP can discuss what's appropriate for you as an individual.
Why does the NHS recommend different weight ranges for some ethnic groups?
Research shows that South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults face higher health risks (particularly type 2 diabetes) at lower BMI levels. The NHS recommends a healthy BMI of 18.5โ22.9 for these groups instead of 18.5โ24.9 to better reflect their individual health risks.
Is a weight chart enough to tell me if my weight is appropriate?
Weight charts based on BMI are helpful screening tools, but they don't tell the whole story. Your GP should also consider your waist measurement, medical history, family history, fitness level, and overall health. That's why personalised advice from your GP is valuable.
How can I find my appropriate weight and track progress?
Start by calculating your BMI and healthy weight range using our free BMI calculator above. Once you know your target range, you can log and track your progress using our free progress tracker to see your journey over time. Your GP or a weight management service can also provide ongoing support.
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.