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 a Healthy Weight for a 5'6" Female?
At 5'6" (168cm), a healthy weight for most UK women falls between approximately 50kg and 67kg (7 stone 12lbs to 10 stone 7lbs), according to NHS BMI guidelines. However, your ideal weight depends on several factors including age, muscle mass, bone density, and overall health. This guide explains the NHS approach to healthy weight, how to calculate your personal range, and what weight management options are available if you're outside that range. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly.
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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 Range at 5'6"
According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9. For a woman who is 5'6" (168cm), this translates to a healthy weight range of approximately 50kg to 67kg (7st 12lbs to 10st 7lbs).
- 50kg (7st 12lbs) = BMI 18.5 (lower healthy range)
- 67kg (10st 7lbs) = BMI 24.9 (upper healthy range)
If you're overweight (BMI 25–29.9), a typical healthy weight range is 67kg–80kg. If you're in the obese category (BMI 30+), your GP can advise on personalised weight management. Remember that BMI is a screening tool but doesn't account for muscle mass, which is denser than fat. An athlete or very muscular woman might have a higher BMI but still be in excellent health. Use our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and lbs instantly.
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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
Your ideal weight isn't just about numbers—several factors influence what's healthy for you personally: age, genetics, muscle mass, bone density, ethnicity, and existing health conditions all play a role. For example, women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may have higher health risks at lower BMI levels, so the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds for these groups.
If you're looking to manage your weight, evidence-based approaches include calorie deficit diets, increased physical activity, and lifestyle changes. For some women, prescription weight loss medication (available through NHS specialist services or private clinical assessment) may be appropriate. Even a modest 5–10% reduction in body weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and overall health. Your GP can discuss which approach suits your individual circumstances.
- 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's the BMI for a 5'6" female at different weights?
At 5'6" (168cm), a weight of 50kg gives BMI 17.7 (healthy), 60kg gives BMI 21.4 (healthy), 70kg gives BMI 24.9 (upper healthy), and 80kg gives BMI 28.4 (overweight). Use our free BMI calculator above to check any specific weight instantly.
Is 70kg overweight for a 5'6" female?
At 5'6", 70kg (11 stone) gives a BMI of approximately 24.9, which is at the very top of the healthy range according to NHS guidelines. It's not overweight, but it's near the boundary—your GP can advise on whether this is appropriate for your individual health.
How much weight should I aim to lose?
The NHS recommends losing 0.5–1kg per week for sustainable results. Aiming to lose 5–10% of your body weight first can have significant health benefits. Your GP can give personalised advice on a realistic, healthy target based on your current weight and health conditions.
Can I use weight loss medication at my weight?
Prescription weight loss medications (like those containing GLP-1) are available for adults with a BMI of 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions. You'd need a clinical assessment from your GP or a licensed prescriber to check eligibility—individual circumstances vary.
Does muscle mass affect my healthy weight?
Yes. Muscle is denser than fat, so someone with high muscle mass might have a higher BMI but lower body fat percentage and excellent health. BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat—your GP can advise on whether your weight is healthy for 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.