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
Average Body Weight and Height in the UK
The average UK adult weighs significantly more than previous generations, with important variations between men and women. Understanding where your weight sits compared to UK averages can help you assess your health context, though average does not mean healthy. This guide explains current UK data, how it relates to NHS weight management guidance, and how to interpret your personal measurements.
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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 Average Weight and Height Data
Average weight for UK adults (Office for National Statistics):
- Men: approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs)
- Women: approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs)
Average height for UK adults:
- Men: approximately 175.3 cm (5ft 9in)
- Women: approximately 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in)
These figures represent typical measurements across the UK population, but typical does not mean optimal for health. The average UK adult man has a BMI of approximately 27.9, and the average adult woman has a BMI of approximately 27.4 — both falling in the overweight category according to NHS guidelines. Use our free BMI calculator above to see how your personal measurements compare to the NHS healthy weight range of 18.5 to 24.9.
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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.
What Is a Healthy Weight for Your Height?
Healthy weight varies significantly based on individual factors including muscle mass, bone density, frame size, and ethnic background. Rather than targeting the average, NHS guidance recommends aiming for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends a lower range of 18.5 to 22.9 due to higher health risks at the same BMI level.
To find your personal healthy weight range for your height, try our weight converter and BMI calculator. Even losing 5–10% of your current body weight can deliver meaningful health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved blood sugar control, and reduced strain on joints. Your GP can provide personalised guidance on what a healthy weight target means for your individual circumstances.
- 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 weight for UK adults?
According to ONS data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) and the average adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs). However, average does not mean healthy — the average UK adult BMI is around 27.4–27.9, which falls in the overweight range according to NHS guidelines.
Is the average UK weight healthy?
No. The average UK weight correlates with a BMI in the overweight category (25–29.9), above the NHS healthy weight range of 18.5–24.9. This reflects rising obesity rates across the UK population. Using our free weight converter and BMI calculator can help you understand your personal BMI and healthy weight range.
What is the average height for UK adults?
The average UK adult man is approximately 175.3 cm (5ft 9in) tall, and the average adult woman is approximately 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in) tall. Height varies by age, ethnic background, and individual genetics.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for my height?
The NHS uses BMI as a screening tool, with a healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9 for most adults (or 18.5–22.9 for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults). Calculate your BMI using the free BMI calculator on this page, or consult your GP for personalised guidance.
What is a healthy weight loss rate?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5 to 1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week as a safe, sustainable rate. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. Weight loss is most effective when combined with both dietary changes and increased physical activity. Your GP can advise on safe targets for your circumstances.
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.