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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What's a Healthy Weight for a 5ft 8in Female?
For a woman who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is approximately 55 to 74kg, or 8 stone 8 pounds to 11 stone 8 pounds in UK measurements. This range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which is considered a healthy weight by NHS standards. However, the ideal weight within this range depends on individual factors including muscle mass, frame size, and overall health. Your GP can provide personalised advice about what weight is right for you specifically.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Range and BMI for 5ft 8in
At 5ft 8in (173cm), your healthy weight range is 55–74kg according to NHS guidelines. To express this in stone and pounds, that's 8st 8lbs to 11st 8lbs. This range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which the NHS defines as a healthy weight for adults.
- Lower end (18.5 BMI): 55kg = 8st 8lbs — considered the minimum healthy weight
- Upper end (24.9 BMI): 74kg = 11st 8lbs — the maximum healthy weight before entering the overweight category
- Midpoint: Around 64–65kg (10st 1lb–10st 3lbs) — often considered the "ideal" centre point
You can calculate your personal BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator above. It will show you exactly where your current weight falls within the healthy range, and whether you're currently within NHS healthy weight guidelines for your height.
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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.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Although the NHS healthy weight range for 5ft 8in is 55–74kg, your personal ideal weight within that range depends on several factors. Muscle mass is significant — muscle weighs more than fat, so athletic or muscular women may legitimately weigh more and still be very healthy. Frame size also matters; naturally larger-framed individuals may be healthier at the higher end of the range, whilst smaller-framed women may thrive at the lower end. Age, genetics, ethnicity, and overall fitness level all play a role. Women of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage may have different health risk thresholds. Rather than chasing a specific number, focus on how you feel, your energy levels, and your health markers like blood pressure and blood sugar.
- 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 70kg a healthy weight for a 5ft 8in female?
At 70kg, a 5ft 8in (173cm) female has a BMI of approximately 23.4, which falls comfortably within the NHS healthy weight range of 18.5–24.9. This is 10st 1lb in UK measurements. Yes, 70kg is a healthy weight at this height. Individual health depends on other factors too — your GP can advise if you have specific health concerns.
What's the average weight for a 5ft 8in woman in the UK?
According to ONS data, the average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs). At 5ft 8in, this is slightly above the midpoint of the healthy range but still within the NHS healthy weight classification. Average weight differs from ideal weight — average reflects actual population data, while healthy weight reflects health guidelines.
How do I know my ideal weight within the healthy range?
The best approach is to use the healthy weight range (55–74kg for your height) as a guide, then consider your individual factors: muscle mass, frame size, energy levels, and health markers. Rather than targeting a specific kilogram, aim for feeling healthy and energetic. Your GP or a registered dietitian can provide personalised advice based on your health profile.
Does ethnicity affect healthy weight for my height?
Yes. The NHS recognises that people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage have different health risk patterns at the same BMI. If this applies to you, your GP may discuss slightly different thresholds. Use our weight converter and BMI calculator above to check your current status, then discuss your personal health with your GP.
What if I'm muscular — does the healthy weight range still apply?
The healthy weight range of 55–74kg is based on BMI, which doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. If you're muscular or athletic, you may legitimately weigh at the higher end and still be very healthy. Focus on how you feel, your fitness level, and health markers rather than just the number on the scale. Your GP can assess your individual health status.
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.