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 Best Weight for Women in the UK?
There is no single "best weight" for all women — the right weight for you depends on your height, age, genetics, muscle mass, and overall health. However, the NHS provides a healthy weight range based on BMI (Body Mass Index), and our free BMI calculator can help you find where you sit. In the UK, a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9, but individual factors matter. This guide explains NHS guidance on healthy weight for women, how to calculate your personal range, and when to seek advice from your GP.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Guidance for UK Women
The NHS defines a healthy weight range based on height and BMI rather than giving a single target weight. For most adult women, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. However, ethnicity affects health risk — the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage (18.5 to 22.9) because these groups face higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at the same BMI.
To find your personal healthy weight range, you need your height. For example, a woman who is 163cm (5ft 4in) tall has a healthy weight range of approximately 49kg to 66kg (7st 9lbs to 10st 5lbs). Use our free BMI calculator above to find your exact range instantly. The key point: healthy weight is not a single number — it's a range that reflects your individual body composition, muscle mass, and health profile.
- Healthy BMI: 18.5–24.9 for most women
- Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): increased health risk
- Obese (BMI 30+): significantly increased health risk
- South Asian/Chinese/Black African heritage: lower thresholds apply
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
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.
Finding Your Best Weight — What Matters Beyond BMI
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations — it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular women may have a high BMI despite low body fat. Your waist circumference also matters. The NHS recommends that women aim for a waist measurement below 80cm (31.5 inches); above 88cm (34.5 inches) indicates increased health risk, regardless of BMI.
Rather than targeting a specific weight, focus on sustainable health habits: balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Even losing 5–10% of your current weight brings measurable health benefits. Your GP can provide personalised weight management guidance and refer you to NHS weight management services if appropriate. Use our free weight converter to track your progress in the units that work best for you (kg, stone, or pounds).
- 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 ideal weight for a woman of my height?
There's no single "ideal weight" — the NHS defines a healthy weight as a BMI range between 18.5 and 24.9, calculated from your height. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range in just seconds. Your GP can also provide personalised guidance based on your health profile.
Is being underweight dangerous for women?
Yes. A BMI below 18.5 (underweight) can indicate nutritional deficiencies, weak bones, hormonal imbalances, and reduced immunity. If your BMI is below 18.5, discuss this with your GP. Healthy weight gain or nutrition support may be recommended.
How much should the average UK woman weigh?
The average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs) and is about 161.6cm (5ft 3.5in) tall, giving an average BMI of around 27.4 — classified as overweight. However, "average" is not the same as "healthy." Use the BMI calculator on this page to find the healthy weight range for your specific height.
Can I be healthy at different weights?
Yes. Health is multifactorial — weight is just one factor. Two women at the same weight can have very different body compositions (muscle vs. fat), fitness levels, and health markers. Focus on sustainable habits: balanced eating, regular activity, good sleep, and stress management rather than a single number on the scales.
Where can I get NHS weight management support?
Start by speaking with your GP, who can assess your individual health and refer you to tier 1 (self-help tools) or tier 2 (community programmes) NHS weight management services. Some areas also offer tier 3 specialist services. Your GP is the best starting point for personalised UK health guidance.
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.