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 Weight for UK Women
The average weight for UK women is approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs), based on the most recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. However, average weight is different from ideal or healthy weight. Your personal healthy weight depends on your height, age, muscle mass, and individual health factors. The NHS recommends using a healthy weight range based on BMI rather than targeting a single number. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your height.
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.
UK Women's Average Weight and Healthy Weight Ranges
The average UK weight for women is around 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs), with an average height of approximately 161.6 cm (5 feet 3.5 inches). This gives an average BMI of roughly 27.4, which falls in the overweight category according to NHS guidelines.
However, average does not mean healthy. Your ideal body weight depends on your height. For example:
- At 5ft 4in (163 cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 50–67 kg (7 stone 12 lbs – 10 stone 8 lbs)
- At 5ft 6in (168 cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 54–72 kg (8 stone 6 lbs – 11 stone 4 lbs)
- At 5ft 8in (173 cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 59–78 kg (9 stone 4 lbs – 12 stone 4 lbs)
The NHS defines a healthy weight range as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Calculate your personal healthy weight range using our free BMI calculator on this page.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Your ideal weight is not just a number—it depends on several factors beyond height. Muscle mass weighs more than fat, so someone with more muscle may weigh more but be healthier. Frame size (small, medium, or large) affects how weight is distributed. Age also matters: metabolism slows with age, and women's weight distribution changes after menopause.
For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for better health outcomes—healthy weight starts at BMI 18.5 and overweight begins at BMI 23.0. Your GP can assess your personal healthy weight based on your individual health, family history, and fitness level. Use our weight converter to switch between kg and stone if needed.
- 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 is the average weight for a UK woman?
According to the Office for National Statistics, the average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) and is about 161.6 cm tall (5 feet 3.5 inches). However, this average does not reflect a healthy weight—it is simply the midpoint across the adult female population.
What is a healthy weight for a woman 5ft 6in tall?
For a woman 5ft 6in (168 cm) tall, the NHS healthy weight range is approximately 54–72 kg (8 stone 6 lbs to 11 stone 4 lbs), based on a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Your ideal weight within this range depends on your muscle mass, frame size, and individual health factors.
How do I calculate my ideal weight for my height?
Use the healthy weight formula: multiply your height in metres squared by 18.5 (lower bound) and 24.9 (upper bound). For example, at 1.68 m: 18.5 × (1.68)² = 52.2 kg and 24.9 × (1.68)² = 70.2 kg. Our free BMI calculator above calculates this instantly for you.
Does the NHS ideal weight calculator consider ethnicity?
Yes. For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean background, the NHS recommends different thresholds because these groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. Healthy weight begins at BMI 18.5 and overweight at BMI 23.0 for these populations.
What if I weigh more than the average but feel healthy?
Average weight and healthy weight are different. Weight is just one health indicator—fitness level, blood pressure, cholesterol, and how you feel matter too. Your GP can assess your overall health rather than focusing on a single number. BMI has limitations and does not account for muscle mass.
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.