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 Is the Average Weight of an Adult in the UK?
The average weight of a UK adult varies by sex, age, and height, but current data shows the typical adult man weighs around 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs) and the typical adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs). However, average weight is different from ideal weight or healthy weight. Your healthy weight depends on your height, age, ethnicity, and overall health — not simply on what others weigh. The NHS recommends using a healthy weight range based on your BMI rather than comparing yourself to average figures.
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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 Data by Gender and Height
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), current average UK adult weights are:
- Average UK adult man: approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs) at a height of 175.3 cm (5 ft 9 in)
- Average UK adult woman: approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) at a height of 161.6 cm (5 ft 3.5 in)
- Average UK adult man BMI: approximately 27.9 (overweight category)
- Average UK adult woman BMI: approximately 27.4 (overweight category)
These figures show that the average UK adult falls into the overweight category according to NHS BMI guidelines (BMI 25–29.9). This reflects broader trends: around 63% of UK adults are overweight or obese, and 28% are obese (BMI ≥30). Use our free BMI calculator above to check where your own weight sits relative to the healthy weight range for your height.
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.
Your Ideal Weight Range — What Really Matters
Rather than aiming for "average" weight, focus on your healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines. For an ideal body weight, your BMI should fall between 18.5 and 24.9. You can calculate your healthy weight range using our weight converter and BMI calculator — simply enter your height to find the kg and stone range that's healthy for you. For example, at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 55–74 kg (8 st 8 lbs to 11 st 10 lbs). Factors like muscle mass, bone density, age, and ethnicity all affect what weight is healthiest for your individual body — so comparing yourself to average figures alone isn't the best approach.
- 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 the average UK adult weight healthy?
No — the average UK adult BMI of around 27.4–27.9 falls into the overweight category (BMI 25–29.9). A healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9 according to NHS guidelines. This means the average UK adult weight is above the healthy range, reflecting rising obesity trends across the UK population.
What's the healthy weight range for my height?
Your healthy weight range depends on your height and is determined by a BMI of 18.5–24.9. Use our free BMI calculator on this page — enter your height and it will show your healthy weight range in both kg and stone. For reference, at 5 ft 6 in (168 cm), healthy weight is approximately 51–67 kg (8 st to 10 st 7 lbs).
Why is average weight different from ideal weight?
Average weight is what most people actually weigh; ideal (or healthy) weight is what the NHS recommends for good health based on height and BMI. Because many UK adults are overweight or obese, the average has shifted above the healthy range. Your goal should be your healthy weight range, not the average.
Does age affect what's a healthy weight?
Yes — as we age, muscle naturally decreases and body composition changes, even at the same weight. Older adults may have a higher percentage of body fat at the same BMI. However, the NHS BMI categories remain the same across adult ages. Your GP can advise on what weight is healthiest for your individual age and health.
Are there different healthy weight ranges for different ethnicities?
Yes — the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage because these groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. For these groups, healthy BMI is 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9. Ask your GP if ethnicity-adjusted ranges apply to you.
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.