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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Height to Weight Ratio — UK Health Guide
Your height to weight ratio is a key indicator of whether you're at a healthy weight for your individual frame. In the UK, the NHS uses BMI (body mass index) to assess this relationship, calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. However, waist-to-height ratio is also an important measure of health. This guide explains what's healthy for your height and how to assess your own weight management using NHS guidance and UK health standards.
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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 Guidance on Healthy Weight Ranges
The NHS provides healthy weight ranges for each height based on a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which applies to most UK adults. For example, an adult who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall has a healthy weight range of approximately 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 8lbs). These ranges are calculated using the BMI formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds (BMI 18.5 to 22.9), as these groups have higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
Beyond BMI, the waist-to-height ratio is equally important. A healthy ratio is below 0.5 — meaning your waist circumference should be less than half your height. For example, if you're 170cm tall, your waist should be under 85cm. This measurement captures where fat is stored, which BMI alone cannot do. A large waist measurement relative to height indicates increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even at a healthy BMI.
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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.
Assessing Your Own Height-Weight Balance
To find your healthy weight range, use our free BMI calculator above, which works instantly with your height and weight in UK measurements (stone, pounds, or kilograms). Alternatively, measure your waist at the narrowest point and divide by your height in the same units to check your waist-to-height ratio. If your ratio is above 0.5, or if your BMI falls outside the healthy range for your ethnicity, speak to your GP for personalised advice — they can discuss your individual health context, including any medical conditions, family history, or medications that may affect your weight.
Remember that weight is influenced by many factors beyond diet and exercise, including genetics, age, hormones, medications, and underlying health conditions. A healthy weight looks different for different people. If you're concerned about your weight management or unsure whether you're at a healthy weight for your height, your GP is the best resource for individual guidance tailored to your 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 is a healthy weight for my height in the UK?
The NHS recommends a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 for most UK adults. Your healthy weight range depends on your exact height — use our free BMI calculator above to find the healthy range for your specific height in kg or stone. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, the recommended range is slightly lower (BMI 18.5 to 22.9).
How do I calculate my height to weight ratio?
The simplest method is BMI: divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. Alternatively, measure your waist circumference and divide by your height (in the same units) — a healthy ratio is below 0.5. Both calculations give different but complementary information about your health.
Why is waist-to-height ratio important alongside BMI?
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and doesn't show where fat is stored. Waist-to-height ratio identifies central fat around the organs, which carries higher health risks. A high waist-to-height ratio can indicate increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even at a healthy BMI.
Can I lose weight and improve my height-to-weight ratio?
Yes. Sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week through a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity can improve both your BMI and waist-to-height ratio. Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can bring meaningful health benefits. Your GP can advise on realistic goals for your individual circumstances.
Should I worry if my height-to-weight ratio doesn't match online calculators?
No. Many online calculators use different standards or may not account for UK NHS guidance or ethnicity-specific thresholds. The NHS BMI calculator and your GP's advice are the most reliable. Individual factors like muscle mass, bone density, and age also affect what's 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.