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 Men 5'6"?
For men who are 5'6" (168cm), a healthy weight falls within a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 according to NHS guidelines. This translates to approximately 55kg to 74kg (8 stone 9lbs to 11 stone 9lbs). Your ideal body weight depends on factors like muscle mass, bone density, and overall fitness level, so this range is a guideline rather than a target. Use our free BMI calculator above to find exactly where you sit within this healthy weight range and understand what it means for your health.
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.
Healthy Weight Range for Your Height
At 5'6" (168cm), the NHS healthy weight range is approximately 55kg to 74kg (8 stone 9lbs to 11 stone 9lbs). This range is based on a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which the NHS considers optimal for adults.
- Lower bound: 55kg (8st 9lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper bound: 74kg (11st 9lbs) — BMI 24.9
These figures represent the bmi healthy range for this height. However, BMI is a screening tool and has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored. Two men at the same weight and height can have very different body compositions. Your GP can discuss what a healthy weight means specifically for you, particularly if you have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
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.
How to Find Your Personal Healthy Weight
The most accurate way to understand your healthy weight for height is to calculate your individual BMI. Enter your height and current weight into our free healthy weight calculator above to see your BMI instantly and where it falls on the NHS scale.
If your BMI is below 18.5, you're in the underweight category. Between 18.5 and 24.9 is the healthy weight range. A BMI of 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese according to NHS classifications. Remember, average UK weight for adult men is around 13st 7lbs (85.7kg), but average doesn't mean healthy — your personal health goals and medical history matter more than population averages.
- 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 exact healthy weight for a man who is 5'6"?
The healthy weight range is approximately 55–74kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 9lbs) based on a BMI of 18.5–24.9. However, this is a range, not a specific target. Factors like muscle mass, fitness level, and medical history affect what's healthy for you personally. Your GP can give tailored guidance.
How do I calculate if my weight is healthy for my height?
Use the BMI formula: weight in kg ÷ height in metres squared. Or use our free BMI calculator on this page — simply enter your height and weight, and it will calculate your BMI instantly and show you which NHS category you fall into.
Is BMI the only way to measure if I'm a healthy weight?
BMI is useful as a screening tool but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Waist circumference, body composition, and fitness level also matter. The NHS recommends considering BMI alongside other health markers and discussing your personal health with your GP.
What if I'm above the healthy weight range for 5'6"?
If your weight is above 74kg at this height, weight loss of even 5–10% can improve health outcomes like blood pressure and blood sugar control. Talk to your GP about safe, sustainable approaches. The NHS Weight Loss Plan and our free progress tracker can help you monitor your journey.
Does the healthy weight range change for different body types?
BMI ranges are standardised across body types, but individual factors vary. Men with more muscle mass may have a higher BMI while still being healthy. Conversely, someone at the top of the healthy range with high body fat may benefit from lifestyle changes. Your GP or a healthcare professional can assess what's right 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.