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 Table — Your BMI-Based Guide
A healthy weight table shows the ideal body weight range for your height based on BMI guidelines. In the UK, the NHS defines a healthy weight range as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults. However, your actual healthy weight depends on your individual height, age, ethnicity, and overall health. This guide explains how to use BMI to find your ideal weight range, and how it differs for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Use our free BMI calculator to check where you currently fall.
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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.
Understanding Healthy Weight Using BMI
Your healthy weight range is calculated using your height and BMI. The NHS healthy weight range of BMI 18.5–24.9 translates to specific weights depending on how tall you are. For example, an adult of 5ft 8in (173cm) would have a healthy weight range of approximately 55–74 kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 9lbs). For someone 5ft 4in (163cm), the range would be around 49–66 kg (7st 9lbs to 10st 6lbs).
Important: BMI has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular individuals may have a higher BMI but lower body fat. BMI also doesn't account for where fat is stored—waist circumference matters too. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds: a healthy weight range of BMI 18.5–22.9 instead of 18.5–24.9, as these groups face higher health risks at the same BMI.
Use our free BMI calculator above to enter your height and current weight and see exactly where you fall on the healthy weight spectrum.
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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 Ideal Weight Range
To find your ideal body weight, you need your height in centimetres and your target BMI range (18.5–24.9 for most adults, or 18.5–22.9 for South Asian and Black African/Caribbean adults). The calculation is simple: multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by the BMI number you want. For example, at 1.70m tall, a BMI of 18.5 gives you 53.4 kg (8st 5lbs), and a BMI of 24.9 gives you 72 kg (11st 4lbs).
Remember that healthy weight is individual—genetics, muscle mass, bone density, and medical conditions all play a role. Your GP can advise whether a particular weight range is realistic and healthy for you personally. If you're unsure whether you're at a healthy weight for your health, speak to your healthcare provider rather than relying on tables alone.
- 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 range according to NHS guidelines?
The NHS defines a healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for most UK adults. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the range is BMI 18.5–22.9 due to higher health risks at the same BMI. Your exact healthy weight depends on your height.
How do I use a healthy weight table to find my ideal weight?
Find your height in the table, then look across to see the weight range in kilograms and stone. That's your NHS-recommended healthy weight range. However, tables are approximate—use our BMI calculator for a personalised result based on your exact height.
Why is healthy weight different for different ethnicities?
Research shows that South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than other populations. The NHS therefore recommends a lower healthy BMI range (18.5–22.9) for these groups to reduce health risks earlier.
Is a healthy weight table accurate for everyone?
Healthy weight tables are screening tools only—they don't account for muscle mass, bone density, medical conditions, or individual variation. BMI has real limitations. Your GP can give personalised advice about what's healthy for you specifically, considering your overall health picture.
Can I use a healthy weight table if I'm very muscular or athletic?
BMI tables may not be accurate if you're very muscular, as muscle weighs more than fat. You might have a higher BMI but lower body fat percentage. Ask your GP or a healthcare professional for a more detailed body composition assessment if you're concerned about your weight despite good fitness levels.
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.