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 Weight of Adults in the UK?
The average adult weight in the UK varies by sex and age, but current data shows that UK men weigh approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs) and UK women weigh approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs). However, average weight is very different from healthy weight. This guide explains the difference, shows where these figures come from, and helps you understand what healthy weight means for your height using NHS guidance and evidence-based health information.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 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/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.
Average UK Adult Weight — Current Data
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the most recent UK health data shows:
- Average UK adult man: 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs) at a height of 175.3 cm (5 feet 9 inches)
- Average UK adult woman: 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) at a height of 161.6 cm (5 feet 3.5 inches)
- Average BMI for men: approximately 27.9 (overweight category)
- Average BMI for women: approximately 27.4 (overweight category)
These figures come from large-scale health surveys and are updated periodically. It's important to note that "average" does not mean "healthy" — the average UK adult is actually in the overweight BMI category according to NHS guidelines.
Weight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — 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 — 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.
Average Weight vs. Healthy Weight — What's the Difference?
Just because a weight is average doesn't mean it's healthy for you personally. Your healthy weight range depends on your height, not on national averages. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range — the NHS defines this as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. For example, a healthy weight for someone 5 feet 8 inches tall is approximately 55–75 kg (8 stone 8 lbs to 11 stone 10 lbs). Weight management is individual. You can also use our free weight converter to understand your weight in both metric and imperial measurements.
- 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.
Is the average UK weight the same as a healthy weight?
No. The average UK adult is in the overweight BMI category (27–28), while a healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9 according to NHS guidance. Average and healthy are different — your healthy weight depends on your individual height, not on national averages.
What is considered a healthy weight in the UK?
A healthy weight is measured by BMI, which depends on your height. The NHS defines a healthy BMI as 18.5–24.9. You can find your personal healthy weight range using the free BMI calculator on this page — it gives you the specific kg and stone range for your height.
Why is the average UK weight increasing?
Several factors contribute: increased calorie consumption, more sedentary lifestyles, larger portion sizes, and increased availability of high-calorie processed foods. Public Health England and the NHS have identified obesity as a significant public health challenge affecting approximately 28% of UK adults.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for my height?
The most reliable method is to calculate your BMI using your weight and height. Our free BMI calculator on this page does this instantly. Alternatively, your GP can assess your weight in the context of your overall health, including waist measurement and any weight-related health conditions.
How can I find out my healthy weight range?
Calculate your BMI using the free tool on this page — it will show you the exact healthy weight range for your height in both kg and stone. A healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds starting at 18.5–22.9.
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.