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 Female Weight at 5'6 — UK Context
The average UK woman aged 16–64 weighs approximately 71–72 kg (11 stone 2–11 stone 5 lbs), according to Office for National Statistics data. However, "average" doesn't necessarily mean "healthy" — what matters more is your personal BMI and how you feel. At 5'6" (168 cm), the NHS healthy weight range is approximately 54–73 kg (8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 5 lbs). Use our free BMI calculator to check where you fall and understand what healthy weight management means for your individual circumstances.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Guidance for 5'6
For an adult woman who is 5'6" (168 cm) tall, the NHS healthy weight range is approximately 54–73 kg (8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 5 lbs), based on a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. This means:
- Below 54 kg: May be underweight (BMI under 18.5)
- 54–73 kg: Healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9)
- 73–88 kg: Overweight (BMI 25–29.9)
- 88 kg and above: Obese category (BMI 30+)
These thresholds are based on population-level health data. However, BMI has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, NHS guidance recommends slightly lower thresholds due to higher health risks at the same BMI. Your GP can provide personalised advice about what a healthy weight means for you.
Clinically BackedWeight 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.
Weight Management Tools and NHS Resources
If you're thinking about weight management, several NHS resources and free tools can help. Our weight converter lets you instantly switch between kg, stone, and pounds — useful for comparing your weight against NHS guidance. Our BMI calculator gives you an instant health screening based on your height and weight. For more detailed support, the NHS Weight Loss Plan is a free 12-week digital programme available to all UK adults, and your GP can refer you to local weight management services if needed. Remember: sustainable weight change is about long-term habits, not rapid loss. Losing 0.5–1 kg per week is considered safe and realistic.
- 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's the exact healthy weight range for a 5'6" woman in kg and stone?
At 5'6" (168 cm), the NHS healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9 corresponds to approximately 54–73 kg or 8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 5 lbs. This is a general guide; your GP can advise on your personal healthy weight based on your health history and circumstances.
Is the average female weight of 71–72 kg considered healthy at 5'6"?
Yes, 71–72 kg at 5'6" falls within the NHS healthy weight range (BMI approximately 23.5–24). However, "average" and "healthy" are different concepts. Your individual health depends on many factors beyond weight alone, including fitness, diet, and medical history.
How can I check if my weight is healthy for my height?
Use our free BMI calculator on this page — it instantly shows where your weight falls (underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese) based on NHS guidelines. You can also use our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds. For personalised advice, speak to your GP.
Do different ethnic backgrounds affect healthy weight ranges?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage because these groups face higher health risks at the same BMI level. If you're from these backgrounds, discuss your individual healthy weight range with your GP.
What resources are available to help with weight management in the UK?
The NHS offers the free 12-week Weight Loss Plan, local weight management services (referral via your GP), and exercise on prescription programmes. The MyWeightCheck progress tracker can help you log weight changes over time. Always discuss any weight management plan with your GP first.
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.