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's the Healthy Weight For 5'6"?
At 5'6" (168 cm), the healthy weight range for UK adults is approximately 53–71 kg (8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 2 lbs). This is based on the NHS healthy weight framework, which defines a healthy BMI as 18.5 to 24.9. However, the right weight for you depends on several factors including age, muscle mass, and overall health. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal healthy weight range, and remember that individual circumstances vary significantly.
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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 For 5'6" Based On BMI
For someone 5'6" tall, the NHS healthy weight range is 53–71 kg, which converts to approximately 8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 2 lbs in UK measurements. This translates to a BMI of 18.5–24.9, which is the standard healthy range according to NHS guidelines.
- Lower boundary: 53 kg (8 stone 5 lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper boundary: 71 kg (11 stone 2 lbs) — BMI 24.9
- Midpoint: approximately 62 kg (9 stone 10 lbs) — BMI 21.7
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds. The healthy weight range for these groups at 5'6" is typically 53–66 kg (8 stone 5 lbs to 10 stone 5 lbs), with a BMI target of 18.5–22.9. Your GP can provide personalised guidance based on your individual health profile and medical history.
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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.
How To Use Your BMI To Find Your Ideal Weight
The simplest way to find your personal ideal weight range is to use our free BMI calculator on this page, which instantly shows you the healthy weight span for your height. Remember that BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where body fat is distributed. This is why two people at the same weight and height can have very different body compositions.
For a practical approach: aim for the middle of your healthy weight range (around BMI 21–22) rather than the extremes. If you're concerned about whether your current weight is healthy, your GP can discuss your individual circumstances and any weight-related health risks.
- 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 5'6" woman in the UK?
The average UK adult woman is around 71.6 kg overall, but healthy weight varies by height and individual factors. At 5'6", the healthy weight range is 53–71 kg (8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 2 lbs) according to NHS BMI guidelines. Your personal ideal weight depends on your age, muscle mass, and health status — use our free BMI calculator for your specific range.
Is there a difference between healthy weight and average weight?
Yes. Average weight describes what people typically weigh; healthy weight describes what's associated with good health for that height. The UK average is higher than the NHS healthy weight range for many heights. Healthy weight is based on BMI science and health outcomes, not population statistics.
How accurate is BMI for finding ideal body weight?
BMI is useful for screening but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI but be very healthy. It also doesn't account for age, bone density, or where fat is stored. Your GP can assess your individual situation alongside BMI and waist circumference measurements.
What if I'm above the healthy weight range for 5'6"?
If your weight is above the 71 kg upper limit, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly improve health markers like blood pressure and blood sugar. The NHS recommends a sustainable loss of 0.5–1 kg per week. Your GP can discuss weight management options including lifestyle changes or, if appropriate, prescription support.
Can the healthy weight range vary between different calculators?
Yes, slightly. Different tools may use slightly different BMI breakpoints (18.5–24.9 is standard NHS guidance). Some calculators also apply ethnicity-adjusted thresholds. Our BMI calculator uses NHS guidelines and ethnicity adjustments where applicable. For clinical decisions, always discuss your results 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.