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 Average Weight for a 5'5" Woman?
The average weight for a 5'5" (165cm) woman in the UK is approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs), according to recent Office for National Statistics data. However, average weight and healthy weight are different things. For this height, the NHS healthy weight range is between 50–67 kg (7 stone 12 lbs to 10 stone 7 lbs), based on a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Whether you're above, below, or within this range, understanding your personal BMI gives you a clearer picture of your individual health context than average figures alone. Use our free BMI calculator to determine your specific healthy weight range.
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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 5'5" Women — BMI Framework
For a woman who is 5'5" (165cm) tall, the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is approximately 50–67 kg (7 stone 12 lbs to 10 stone 7 lbs). This range is based on a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which the NHS considers a healthy weight for adults.
Here's how this breaks down:
- Lower healthy weight boundary: 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper healthy weight boundary: 67 kg (10 stone 7 lbs) — BMI 24.9
- Average UK weight at this height: 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) — BMI approximately 26.5 (overweight category)
It's important to note that BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, nor does it account for where excess weight is stored. For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds, with a healthy range starting at BMI 18.5–22.9.
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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 Find Your Personal Healthy Weight Using BMI
Rather than comparing yourself to the average, calculate your own BMI to understand your specific healthy weight range. Use our free BMI calculator above to enter your current weight and height — it will instantly show you whether you fall into the healthy, overweight, or obese category according to NHS classifications.
If your BMI is above 24.9, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can deliver meaningful health benefits, including improved blood pressure, better blood sugar control, and reduced joint strain. Our free weight converter can help you switch between kg, stone, and pounds to understand your weight in whichever units feel most familiar. Remember that healthy weight loss is typically 0.5–1 kg per week. If you're considering weight management support, your GP can discuss options suited to your individual circumstances.
- 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 71.6 kg a healthy weight for a 5'5" woman?
At 71.6 kg, a 5'5" woman has a BMI of approximately 26.5, which falls in the overweight category (BMI 25–29.9) according to NHS guidelines. The healthy weight range for this height is 50–67 kg. However, average weight and healthy weight are different — your GP can advise based on your individual health picture.
What's the difference between average weight and healthy weight?
Average weight is what most people at a given height actually weigh (in the UK, 71.6 kg for a 5'5" woman). Healthy weight is based on BMI and health risk — typically 18.5–24.9 BMI. Average doesn't equal healthy; understanding your personal BMI gives you better health insight than population averages.
Can I use the BMI calculator to find my specific healthy weight range?
Yes. Our free BMI calculator shows your current BMI and explains which NHS category you fall into. To find your healthy weight range, aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. For a 5'5" woman, that's roughly 50–67 kg, but your GP can provide personalised guidance based on your health.
Are there different healthy weight ranges for different ethnic backgrounds?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage due to higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at the same BMI. Healthy BMI for these groups starts at 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9. Discuss this with your GP if it applies to you.
How much weight would I need to lose to reach the healthy weight range?
If you weigh the UK average of 71.6 kg at 5'5", you'd need to lose approximately 4.6–21.6 kg to enter the healthy BMI range of 50–67 kg. The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. Our progress tracker can help you monitor your journey if you decide to make changes.
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.