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 Is the Average Body in the UK?
The average UK adult weighs significantly more today than decades ago, with most falling into the overweight or obese category according to NHS definitions. Understanding average body measurements helps contextualise your own health, but it's important to remember that "average" does not mean "healthy." This health guide explores UK statistics, healthy weight ranges, and how your measurements compare to NHS guidance.
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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.
UK Body Statistics and Health Context
According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 pounds) and stands at around 175 cm (5 foot 9 inches) tall. The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 pounds) at a height of roughly 162 cm (5 foot 4 inches).
However, these averages reveal a concerning trend: the average UK adult man has a BMI of approximately 27.9, and the average UK adult woman has a BMI of 27.4 — both falling into the overweight category according to NHS guidelines (BMI 25–29.9). Approximately 63% of UK adults are overweight or obese, and 28% meet the clinical definition of obesity (BMI 30+).
This means that being "average" in the UK today actually reflects a population-level health concern rather than a healthy weight target. The NHS recommends a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 for most adults, and lower thresholds for those of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Use our free BMI calculator above to see where your measurements sit within NHS health categories.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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 vs. Average Weight in the UK
Healthy weight is not the same as average weight. For an adult of average UK height, a healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9) is considerably lower than current population averages. For example, at 5 foot 9 inches (175 cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 59–79 kg (9 stone 3 pounds to 12 stone 6 pounds) — significantly below the current average of 85.7 kg.
The NHS Weight Loss Plan and NICE guidance recommend aiming for a healthy BMI rather than matching population averages. If you're currently at or above average UK weight, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can deliver meaningful health improvements including better blood pressure, improved blood sugar control, and reduced cardiovascular risk. Our weight converter can help you check your weight across kg, stone, and pounds, while our BMI calculator shows your personal health category 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.
What is the average UK adult weight?
The average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs) and is around 175 cm (5 foot 9 inches) tall. The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) and is around 162 cm (5 foot 4 inches) tall. However, these averages fall into the overweight BMI category according to NHS guidelines.
Is being average weight healthy?
Not necessarily. Current UK population averages actually reflect overweight and obesity trends rather than healthy weight targets. According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9, which is lower than the current average. A healthy weight is more important than an average weight for long-term health outcomes.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range?
A healthy weight range depends on your height and is based on a BMI of 18.5–24.9. For example, at 5 foot 8 inches, a healthy weight is approximately 55–74 kg (8 stone 8 lbs to 11 stone 9 lbs). Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range instantly.
What percentage of UK adults are overweight?
According to NHS and Public Health England data, approximately 63% of UK adults are overweight or obese, with 28% meeting the clinical definition of obesity (BMI 30+). This reflects significant population-level weight gain over recent decades compared to historical UK averages.
Should I aim for average UK weight or healthy weight?
Aim for a healthy weight according to NHS BMI guidelines rather than average population weight. Your GP can discuss what a realistic healthy weight target means for you personally. Even modest weight loss of 5–10% can improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and cardiovascular health.
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.