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 for a Male 5ft 8in Tall
For an adult male who is 5ft 8in (173 cm) tall, the NHS-recommended healthy weight range is approximately 56 to 75 kg (8st 12lbs to 11st 11lbs). This range is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Of course, ideal weight varies depending on muscle mass, frame size, and individual health factors — your GP can give you personalised guidance. Use our free BMI calculator above to check where your current weight sits in relation to these healthy ranges.
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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.
Healthy Weight Range for 5ft 8in Males — Detailed Data
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight range for a 5ft 8in (173 cm) male is 56–75 kg (8st 12lbs to 11st 11lbs). This equates to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which the NHS classifies as a healthy weight range.
Breaking this down by BMI category:
- Underweight: Below 55 kg (8st 8lbs) — BMI under 18.5
- Healthy weight: 56–75 kg (8st 12lbs–11st 11lbs) — BMI 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 76–89 kg (11st 12lbs–14st 0lbs) — BMI 25–29.9
- Obese: 90 kg and above (14st 1lb+) — BMI 30 and above
The average UK weight for adult males is approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs). If you're above the healthy weight range, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can have meaningful health benefits. Try our weight loss calculator to estimate potential outcomes with lifestyle changes or medical support.
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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 Ideal Weight — Beyond BMI
Ideal body weight is not just a number — it depends on several personal factors. Muscle mass significantly impacts your weight: muscular individuals may weigh more than BMI charts suggest but still be healthy. Frame size also matters — men with larger frames naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames.
Age affects ideal weight too, as muscle naturally decreases with age. Additionally, if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds (18.5–22.9 for healthy weight) because these populations face higher cardiovascular disease risk at standard BMI levels. Your GP can assess your individual healthy weight based on your health history, fitness level, and any medical conditions. Use our free BMI calculator and weight converter on this page to explore your personal numbers.
- 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 healthy weight range for a 5ft 8in male in stone and pounds?
The NHS healthy weight range for a 5ft 8in male is 8st 12lbs to 11st 11lbs (56–75 kg). This corresponds to a BMI of 18.5–24.9. Your healthy weight within this range depends on muscle mass, frame size, and overall fitness. Your GP can advise on your personal ideal weight target.
Is 85 kg overweight for a 5ft 8in man?
At 85 kg (13st 6lbs), a 5ft 8in male has a BMI of approximately 30.3, which falls into the obese category according to NHS classifications. This is above the healthy weight range of 56–75 kg. Losing weight through lifestyle changes or with medical support can reduce health risks associated with excess weight.
What's the average weight for a UK male 5ft 8in?
The average UK adult male weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) and stands about 175 cm tall. However, average does not mean healthy — many UK men weigh above the NHS healthy range. Calculate your personal healthy weight using our free BMI calculator on this page.
How do I know if I'm at a healthy weight for my height?
Use your BMI as a starting point: BMI between 18.5–24.9 is healthy for most adults. However, BMI doesn't account for muscle mass or where fat is stored — waist circumference matters too. A GP assessment gives you the most personalised picture of whether your weight is healthy for you.
Does muscle mass affect the healthy weight range for my height?
Yes. BMI treats all weight equally, so very muscular men may have a higher BMI but low body fat percentage — technically "overweight" by BMI but metabolically healthy. Frame size also affects ideal weight: larger-framed men naturally weigh more. Discuss your individual healthy weight target with your GP rather than relying on numbers alone.
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.