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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Healthy Weight Calculator NHS — Your UK Health Reference
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight is determined by your height and expressed as a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 and 24.9. For most UK adults, this translates to a specific weight range for your height — but the exact range depends on your individual frame size, muscle mass, and other factors. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range, or read on for NHS data and reference tables for different heights.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
NHS Healthy Weight Ranges by Height (UK Data)
The NHS defines a healthy weight range as any weight that gives a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. The exact weight depends on your height. For example:
- At 160cm (5ft 3in): healthy weight range is approximately 47–64 kg (7st 6lbs to 10st 1lbs)
- At 170cm (5ft 7in): healthy weight range is approximately 53–72 kg (8st 5lbs to 11st 5lbs)
- At 180cm (5ft 11in): healthy weight range is approximately 60–81 kg (9st 6lbs to 12st 11lbs)
- At 190cm (6ft 3in): healthy weight range is approximately 67–90 kg (10st 7lbs to 14st 3lbs)
These ranges apply to most UK adults. However, adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage should use lower thresholds (healthy BMI 18.5–22.9). Calculate your personal healthy weight using the BMI calculator on this page for accurate results.
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.
Factors Affecting Your Ideal Weight (Beyond Height)
Your ideal body weight is not determined by height alone. Several factors influence what weight is right for you:
- Muscle mass: Muscle weighs more than fat, so very muscular people may have a higher healthy weight for their height.
- Frame size: People with larger bone structures naturally weigh more — neither overweight nor unhealthy.
- Age: Metabolism changes with age; older adults may have different healthy weight ranges.
- Ethnicity: Different populations have different health risk thresholds at the same BMI.
- Medical history: Chronic conditions may affect your target weight.
Your GP can provide personalised advice about your ideal weight for your individual circumstances. The NHS healthy weight range is a useful guide, but your own health goals matter most.
- 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 healthy weight calculator NHS recommendation?
The NHS defines healthy weight using BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Your specific healthy weight range depends on your height. Use the free BMI calculator on this page to find your personal healthy weight range, or consult your GP for personalised guidance.
How do I calculate my ideal body weight from my height?
The formula is: healthy BMI (18.5–24.9) × height in metres squared. For example, at 1.70m: lower range is 18.5 × (1.70)² = 53.4 kg; upper range is 24.9 × (1.70)² = 71.9 kg. Use our weight converter to express this in stone and pounds for UK context.
What is the average UK weight?
According to ONS data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) and the average woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs). However, average does not mean healthy — many UK adults are above the NHS healthy weight range.
Why do South Asian adults have different healthy weight guidelines?
The NHS recommends a lower healthy BMI range (18.5–22.9) for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults because these populations have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels than other groups.
Does healthy weight calculator account for muscle mass?
No — BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes may have a high BMI but low body fat. This is why the BMI calculator is a screening tool, not a definitive measure. Your GP can discuss your individual healthy weight using other measurements like waist circumference.
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.