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 Human Body Weight in the UK?
The average weight of UK adults varies by sex and has changed over recent decades. According to the most recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs), while the average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs). However, average weight is just one data point — what matters more for your health is whether your weight falls within a healthy range for your individual height. Our free weight converter and BMI calculator can help you understand where your weight sits relative to NHS health guidance.
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 Weight by Gender and Height in the UK
UK adult weight varies significantly based on height, age, and individual factors. Here are the current averages from ONS data:
- Average UK adult man: 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), height 175.3 cm (5ft 9in), BMI approximately 27.9
- Average UK adult woman: 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs), height 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in), BMI approximately 27.4
- Key context: Both average male and female BMI values fall in the "overweight" category (BMI 25–29.9), not the healthy weight range (18.5–24.9)
This means the average UK adult is technically overweight by BMI standards, though individual health depends on many factors beyond weight alone — including fitness level, waist circumference, and overall health markers. Use our free weight converter to see where your weight sits in stone, lbs, or kg.
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.
Healthy Weight Range vs. Average Weight
Average weight and healthy weight are not the same. The NHS defines a healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, regardless of whether you match the population average. For a person who is 5ft 8in (173 cm) tall, the healthy weight range is approximately 55–74 kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 9lbs). For someone 5ft 5in (165 cm), it's roughly 50–67 kg (7st 12lbs to 10st 7lbs).
Try our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your height. Weight management and maintaining a healthy weight can support better long-term health outcomes, regardless of current population averages.
- 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 human weight the same worldwide?
No. Average weights vary significantly by country, region, and ethnicity. UK averages are based on ONS data specific to British adults. Other countries have different average weights due to genetic variation, dietary patterns, economic factors, and healthcare access. The UK's population averages have also increased over recent decades.
Why is the average UK adult weight in the overweight BMI category?
Multiple factors contribute: sedentary lifestyles, increased calorie-dense food availability, portion sizes, and changes in occupational activity. Rising population weight is a trend across many developed nations. However, individual health depends on factors beyond weight, including fitness, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for me personally?
Calculate your personal BMI using height and weight — our free BMI calculator does this instantly. A healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9 for most adults (lower thresholds apply for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults). Your GP can also provide personalised guidance about what weight range is healthy for your individual circumstances.
What's the difference between average weight and ideal weight?
Average weight is what the population typically weighs. Ideal weight is the range considered healthy for your specific height and health profile. These don't always align — many populations have average weights above the healthy range. Your ideal weight depends on your height, age, genetics, and health markers, not on what others weigh.
How can I manage my weight if I'm above the healthy range?
The NHS recommends sustainable approaches: gradual calorie reduction (losing 0.5–1 kg per week), increased physical activity, and behaviour change. For some people, prescription weight management support may be appropriate — your GP can assess whether this is suitable. Our free progress tracker can help you monitor changes over time. ```
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.