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
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Average Weight by Height — What's Healthy for You?
There's no single "ideal body weight" — what matters is whether your weight is healthy for your individual height, age, and build. The NHS uses BMI (body mass index) to define healthy weight ranges, which vary significantly by height. For example, a healthy weight at 5ft 8in (173cm) is very different from a healthy weight at 5ft 2in (158cm). This guide explains the healthy weight range for different heights and how to find yours using the BMI framework. Use our free BMI calculator above to check where your current weight sits.
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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.
Healthy Weight Range by Height — Using BMI
The NHS defines a healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. This translates to a weight range (in kg and stone) that depends entirely on your height. Here are examples of healthy weight ranges for common UK heights:
- 5ft 2in (158cm): 46–57kg (7st 3lbs – 8st 13lbs)
- 5ft 4in (163cm): 49–61kg (7st 10lbs – 9st 8lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168cm): 52–65kg (8st 2lbs – 10st 3lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173cm): 55–70kg (8st 8lbs – 11st 0lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178cm): 58–74kg (9st 1lbs – 11st 8lbs)
- 6ft 0in (183cm): 61–79kg (9st 8lbs – 12st 6lbs)
These ranges assume a standard adult frame. Your ideal weight within this range depends on muscle mass, bone density, and individual factors — which is why a healthy weight calculator based on BMI gives much more personalised insight than average UK weight statistics alone.
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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.
BMI Limitations — What Healthy Weight Really Means
BMI is a useful screening tool, but it has important limitations. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat — so an athlete with significant muscle mass may have a "high" BMI but excellent health. BMI also doesn't account for where fat is stored; waist circumference and overall fitness matter too. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds because these groups face higher health risks at the same BMI. Rather than chasing an arbitrary "average weight", focus on reaching a weight that feels sustainable, supports your energy levels, and helps you stay active. Try our free BMI calculator above to see your personalised healthy weight range.
- 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 average weight for a UK adult?
The average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7kg (13st 7lbs) with an average height of 175cm (5ft 9in). The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs) at an average height of 162cm (5ft 4in). However, average does not mean healthy — many UK adults are above a healthy weight for their height.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for my height?
Use the BMI formula: weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy by the NHS. Our free BMI calculator on this page does this instantly — just enter your height and weight to see where you fall.
What's the difference between average weight and ideal weight?
Average weight is what most people of a given height actually weigh — often above a healthy range. Ideal or healthy weight is based on BMI guidelines (18.5–24.9) and depends on your height. For most UK adults, healthy weight is lower than the current average.
Are lower BMI thresholds used for some ethnic groups in the UK?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults because these groups have higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at the same BMI as white Europeans. Healthy BMI for these groups starts at 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9.
Can I use a weight converter to check my healthy weight range?
Our free weight converter helps you switch between kg, stone, and pounds — useful for understanding your weight in different units. However, to find your actual healthy weight range for your height, use our BMI calculator or healthy weight calculator, which factor in your height as well as weight.
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.