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
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Health Weight Chart for Women — UK Reference Guide
A healthy weight chart for women helps you understand what weight range is appropriate for your height according to NHS guidelines. In the UK, healthy weight is determined using BMI (body mass index) rather than a fixed number, as it accounts for both height and body composition. This guide provides a complete UK health information resource showing healthy weight ranges for women of different heights, alongside practical tools to assess your personal health status and set realistic weight management goals.
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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.
Healthy Weight Ranges for UK Women by Height
The NHS defines a healthy BMI as between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adult women. However, the actual weight in kilograms or stone varies significantly depending on your height. For example, at 5ft 4in (163cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 47–64kg (7st 6lbs to 10st 1lbs), whereas at 5ft 8in (173cm) it is 55–76kg (8st 9lbs to 12st 0lbs).
For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower BMI thresholds: 18.5 to 22.9 is considered healthy weight, as these groups face higher health risks from excess weight at lower BMI levels.
- Height 5ft 0in (152cm): healthy weight 45–61kg (7st 1lbs–9st 8lbs)
- Height 5ft 3in (160cm): healthy weight 47–63kg (7st 6lbs–9st 13lbs)
- Height 5ft 6in (168cm): healthy weight 52–70kg (8st 3lbs–11st 0lbs)
- Height 5ft 9in (175cm): healthy weight 57–76kg (8st 13lbs–12st 0lbs)
Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range instantly based on your exact 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.
Understanding Your Results — BMI Limitations and Context
Whilst BMI is a useful screening tool endorsed by the NHS and widely used by GPs, it has important limitations. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat—athletic women with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but be in excellent health. BMI also does not show where fat is stored on your body, yet waist circumference matters for health risk: the NHS recommends that women aim for a waist measurement below 80cm (31.5in) for optimal health.
For context, the average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs) and stands 161.6cm (5ft 3.5in) tall, giving an average BMI of 27.4, which falls in the overweight category. If you have concerns about your weight or health, your GP can provide personalised advice. Our weight converter tool above lets you switch between kg, stone, and pounds instantly.
- 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 5ft 6in woman?
At 5ft 6in (168cm), a healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is approximately 52–70kg (8st 3lbs to 11st 0lbs), corresponding to a BMI of 18.5–24.9. However, ideal weight varies based on frame size, muscle mass, and individual health. Your GP can advise what weight is right for you personally.
How do I know if I'm overweight according to UK health guidance?
The NHS uses BMI categories: a BMI of 25.0–29.9 indicates overweight, and 30.0 or above indicates obesity. You can calculate your personal BMI using our free calculator on this page. For women of South Asian or Black African heritage, lower thresholds apply (overweight starts at BMI 23.0).
Does the health weight chart apply to all women equally?
BMI-based weight charts apply to most adult women, but not to pregnant women, children, or very elderly individuals. Ethnicity also matters: South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean women have different recommended BMI thresholds due to higher health risks at lower weights. Always discuss your personal target weight with your GP.
What's the difference between healthy weight and ideal body weight?
Healthy weight is a range (based on BMI 18.5–24.9) that applies to most people. Ideal body weight is more individual and depends on factors like frame size, muscle mass, genetics, and personal health goals. Your GP can help determine what healthy weight range makes sense for you.
Can I use the same weight chart if I'm from a non-European ethnic background?
Not exactly. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage due to higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at lower weights. If this applies to you, a healthy BMI range is 18.5–22.9 rather than the standard 18.5–24.9.
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.