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 Person's Weight in the UK?
The average adult weight in the UK varies by sex, age, and height. According to recent NHS and Office for National Statistics data, the average UK man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs), whilst the average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs). However, average weight is different from healthy weight — knowing where you sit relative to the population is useful context, but your individual healthy weight depends on your height, age, and overall health. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on 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 Average Weight by Gender and Height
According to ONS data:
- Average UK adult man: 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) at 175.3 cm (5ft 9in)
- Average UK adult woman: 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs) at 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in)
- Average UK man BMI: approximately 27.9 (overweight category)
- Average UK woman BMI: approximately 27.4 (overweight category)
These figures represent typical weights across the entire adult population — they include people across all BMI categories. The key point is that average does not equal healthy. Around 63% of UK adults are overweight or obese (BMI 25+), which pulls the average upward. Your healthy weight range depends on your individual height. Use the weight converter on this page to check your weight in different units, or use our BMI calculator to see where you sit relative to NHS healthy weight thresholds.
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.
Healthy Weight vs. Average Weight
There is an important distinction: healthy weight is defined by your height and BMI, while average weight is simply what most people weigh. According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults. For an average UK man at 5ft 9in, a healthy weight range would be approximately 55–74 kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 8lbs) — lower than the current population average of 85.7 kg. For those of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends even lower healthy BMI thresholds. Your GP can provide personalised weight management advice based on your individual health profile and goals.
- 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 UK average weight healthy?
No. The average UK adult BMI is approximately 27.4–27.9, which falls in the overweight category. Since roughly 63% of UK adults are overweight or obese, the population average is higher than NHS healthy weight recommendations. Individual healthy weight varies by height and age.
What is a healthy weight for a person 5ft 8in tall?
For someone 5ft 8in (173 cm) tall, a healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is approximately 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 8lbs). This is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9. Use our BMI calculator above to check your personal healthy range.
How does weight vary by age in the UK?
UK adults aged 16–34 have slightly lower average weights than those aged 35–64. Weight typically increases through middle age and may decrease slightly in older age due to muscle loss. Age-appropriate healthy weight ranges should be discussed with your GP.
How do I know if my weight is healthy?
Your GP can assess your healthy weight based on your height, age, medical history, and overall health. A BMI between 18.5–24.9 is healthy for most adults (lower thresholds apply for some ethnic groups). Use our free weight converter and BMI calculator to get a starting point.
Does average weight differ significantly between UK regions?
Yes, average weight varies slightly by UK region and age group, but regional differences are typically modest. The national average figures provide a useful population reference point. Your individual healthy weight is best determined in consultation with your GP.
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.