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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What's the Appropriate Weight for a 5'6" Female?
For a woman who is 5'6" (168cm), the healthy weight range according to NHS guidance is approximately 51–69 kg (8 stone to 10 stone 11 pounds). However, the appropriate weight for you personally depends on several factors including muscle mass, bone density, and overall health. Rather than aiming for a single number, it's more helpful to focus on achieving a healthy BMI and maintaining good health habits. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your height and current measurements.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Range for 5'6" Females
At 5'6" (168cm), a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9 according to NHS guidelines. This translates to a weight range of approximately 51–69 kg (8 stone to 10 stone 11 pounds). However, this is a general range — your ideal weight within this band depends on your individual build, muscle composition, and fitness level.
- Lower end (51 kg / 8 stone): BMI of 18.5 — the bottom of the healthy range
- Upper end (69 kg / 10st 11lbs): BMI of 24.9 — the top of the healthy range
- Overweight range: 70–83 kg (11 stone to 13 stone)
- Obese range: 84 kg (13 stone 2 pounds) and above
These figures assume average adult body composition. If you have significant muscle mass or a larger frame, you may be healthy at the upper end of the range. Conversely, if you have a smaller frame, aiming for the lower end may be more appropriate. Our free BMI calculator above can help you determine exactly where you sit and what your healthy weight target should be.
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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.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Your appropriate weight is not just a number on the scales. Muscle weighs more than fat, so two women of the same height and weight can look completely different depending on their fitness level and body composition. Age, genetics, and ethnicity also play a role — the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage due to higher health risks at lower weights.
Rather than fixating on a specific kilogram target, focus on health markers: energy levels, fitness improvements, how your clothes fit, and what your GP says about your health. Use our free weight converter to track your progress in your preferred units (stone, pounds, or kilograms), and remember that sustainable weight changes happen gradually over time.
- 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 is the exact healthy weight for a 5'6" female?
The healthy weight range for a 5'6" female is approximately 51–69 kg (8 stone to 10 stone 11 pounds) according to NHS BMI guidelines. However, your ideal weight within this range depends on your individual muscle mass, bone structure, and overall health. Use our BMI calculator to find your personal target.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for my height?
Calculate your BMI using your height and weight — a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. You can also check your waist circumference (under 80 cm for women indicates lower health risk). Your GP can provide personalised health advice about whether your weight is appropriate for you.
Is 60 kg a healthy weight for a 5'6" female?
Yes, 60 kg (9 stone 6 pounds) falls comfortably in the healthy weight range for a 5'6" female, giving a BMI of approximately 21.7. This is well within the NHS healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9, though individual circumstances vary.
What if I'm struggling to reach a healthy weight?
If you're finding weight management difficult, speak to your GP. They can refer you to a weight management programme, discuss dietary changes, and if appropriate, explore evidence-based treatments. Many people benefit from structured support and gradual, sustainable approaches.
Does ethnicity affect what's a healthy weight at 5'6"?
Yes. For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds — a healthy BMI may be 18.5 to 22.9 rather than 18.5 to 24.9. This reflects higher cardiovascular and metabolic health risks at higher weights in these populations.
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.