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 in the UK — What's Healthy?
The average weight in the UK varies significantly by age, sex, and height, but understanding how your weight compares to national guidelines is important for your health. According to the latest Office for National Statistics data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 pounds), while the average UK adult woman weighs around 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 pounds). However, average weight is not the same as healthy weight — what matters more is whether your weight falls within a healthy range for your individual height and body composition. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI and discover your healthy weight range according to 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 Age
Adult average weights in the UK show clear variation by gender. Men aged 16 and over average 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) at an average height of 175.3 cm (5ft 9in), whilst women average 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs) at approximately 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in). These figures come from Office for National Statistics health surveys and represent a snapshot across all age groups.
Age matters significantly. Younger adults (18–30) typically weigh less than middle-aged adults (40–60), who may carry more weight on average due to reduced physical activity and metabolic changes. Adults over 65 often show slightly lower average weights due to natural muscle loss with age, even if body fat percentage remains high.
BMI context: The average UK adult has a BMI of approximately 27.9 (men) and 27.4 (women), which falls in the overweight category according to NHS guidelines (BMI 25–29.9). This means the average is above the healthy weight range of BMI 18.5–24.9.
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.
Average vs. Healthy Weight — What's the Difference?
Your average weight and your healthy weight are two very different things. Just because a weight is average doesn't mean it's healthy for you personally. A healthy weight depends on your individual height, age, sex, and body composition — not national statistics.
NHS guidance recommends a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults. For someone 5ft 8in tall (173 cm), this means a healthy weight range of approximately 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 9lbs). You may weigh more or less than the national average but still fall comfortably within a healthy weight for your height.
Ethnicity matters too: If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, NHS guidance recommends lower BMI thresholds — healthy weight starts at BMI 18.5–22.9 rather than 24.9. Use our weight converter and BMI calculator to find your personal healthy weight range, then speak to your GP if you have concerns about your weight and health.
- 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 of a UK adult man?
According to the latest Office for National Statistics data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 pounds) and stands about 175.3 cm tall (5ft 9in). However, this average doesn't tell you whether this weight is healthy for any individual — that depends on height and body composition.
What is the average weight of a UK adult woman?
The average UK adult woman weighs around 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 pounds) and is approximately 161.6 cm tall (5ft 3.5in). Like men's averages, this figure varies considerably by age group, and average weight is not the same as healthy weight for any given individual.
Is average UK weight considered healthy by the NHS?
No. The average UK adult BMI is approximately 27–27.5, which falls in the overweight category (BMI 25–29.9) according to NHS guidelines. A healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9. This means the average UK adult is above the healthy weight range, though individual circumstances vary greatly.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for my height?
The best way is to calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page, which automatically accounts for your height. For most adults, a healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9. If you're of South Asian or Black African heritage, the NHS recommends a healthy range of 18.5–22.9. Your GP can also assess your individual health and whether your weight affects your wellbeing.
Does average weight matter if I'm trying to lose weight?
No — what matters is your personal healthy weight range for your height, not how you compare to national averages. Even if you weigh less than the UK average, your weight could still be above the healthy range for your height. Use our weight loss calculator to explore weight management options, and speak to your GP or a weight management service for personalised advice on healthy weight loss.
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.